RICE LAKE, WISCONSIN — The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program has once again recognized Northwood Technical College as one of the nation’s best community colleges—naming it among the top 200 eligible to apply for the 2027 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence.
The Aspen Prize, often referred to as the nation’s signature recognition of high achievement among community colleges, honors institutions that demonstrate strong student success, workforce outcomes, and equitable results. Northwood Tech has previously been named to the Aspen Institute’s top U.S. community colleges list in 2021, 2023, and 2025.
“Being recognized among the top community colleges in the country reflects our continued commitment to innovation and putting students first,” said Dr. John Will, president of Northwood Tech. “This recognition highlights the dedication of our faculty, staff, and community partners who work every day to create new opportunities, empower students to reach their goals, and strengthen the communities we serve.”
The Aspen Prize selection process is an intensive two-year review conducted by the Aspen Institute’s College Excellence Program. The process includes analysis of data from about 1,000 public two-year colleges across the United States. Colleges are evaluated on student learning, graduation rates, employment and earnings after graduation, and equitable outcomes for all learners.
From the 200 eligible institutions, Aspen will select a group of finalists before choosing the top college to receive the $1 million prize in 2027.
At Northwood Tech, innovation and student success are at the heart of every program and partnership. This recognition reflects the college’s ongoing mission to strengthen communities by empowering each student to realize their own success story.
To learn more about the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, click here.
About Northwood Technical College
Northwood Technical College is a nationally top-ranked college and designated Silver 2025-26 Military Friendly® School that puts Students First. Northwood Tech serves the educational and career needs of approximately 14,000 residents of Northwestern Wisconsin each year.
With multiple campuses, Northwood Tech offers career-focused associate degree programs, technical diplomas, short-term certificates, customized business training, and a wide array of courses for personal or career enrichment. Northwood Tech is a member of the Wisconsin Technical College System and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (www.hlcommission.org). For more information, call 800.243.9482 or visit NorthwoodTech.edu.
Northwood Technical College is grateful for all its community partnerships. Your support of the Northwood Tech Foundation is essential to student success.
For information on how to contribute, visit NorthwoodTech.edu/donate. Northwood Technical College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, service in the uniformed services, veteran status, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital or family status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions or status in any group protected by state or local law in employment, admissions or its programs or activities.
The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the College’s nondiscrimination policies: Amanda Gohde, AA/EEO Officer/Title IX Coordinator/Associate Vice President of Talent and Culture; 1900 College Drive, Rice Lake, WI 54868; 715.645.7042; Wisconsin Relay System TTY:711; Amanda.Gohde@NorthwoodTech.edu.
Last Update: Nov 17, 2025 11:01 am CST
