Saint Paul College Ranked as the Top Community College in the United States by Washington Monthly Magazine

Saint Paul College--A Community & Technical College located in Saint Paul, Minnesota, is the highest ranked community college in the nation according to Washington Monthly Magazine’s 2010 College Rankings. It has achieved this ranking by focusing on providing students with education for employment, education for life. That has always meant a clear emphasis on quality teaching within excellent programs.

Saint Paul, MN (PRWEB) August 31, 2010

A Community & Technical College located in Saint Paul, Minnesota, is the highest ranked community college in the nation according to Washington Monthly Magazine’s 2010 College Rankings. The annual ranking of community colleges was published in the September/ October issue of Washington Monthly Magazine published on August 23, 2010. The rankings can be seen at http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/college_guide/rankings_2010/community_colleges.php

“This is a remarkable national recognition for our college,” said Saint Paul College President Donovan Schwichtenberg. “We have always focused on providing our students with education for employment, education for life. That has always meant a clear emphasis on quality teaching within excellent programs. We are excited that this has made Saint Paul College stand out on a national level.”

The magazine places Saint Paul College at number one on its list of the 50 top community colleges in the nation. The ranking is based on data provided by the Community College Survey of Student Engagement (CCSSE) and graduation data at the U.S. Department of Education. CCSSE data are based on surveys of students at approximately 650 community colleges from across the United States.

“Saint Paul College and its graduates play a vital role in developing our city’s workforce and our economic future,” said Saint Paul Mayor Chris Coleman. “This ranking underscores how successful the school has been creating opportunities for young people.”

“While all the community colleges on the list are inexpensive, have open admissions and are largely unknown outside their local communities, they stand out in teaching and helping student earn degrees,” Kevin Carey, Policy Director of Education Sector, a Washington, D.C. based think tank, writes in Washington Monthly. “When it comes to quality of instruction they outperform not only their two-year peers, but many elite four-year research universities as well. At the best community colleges, teaching comes first.”

Saint Paul College offers thirty-eight associate degree programs, including the Associate in Arts (AA) degree, and sixty-one occupational certificate and diploma programs. The school maintains transfer agreements with 4-year colleges and universities to provide pathways for students to transfer and continue their higher education when they complete their programs.

“The instructors have made a big difference in my life,” said Robert Hatheway who has completed studies in carpentry and is now working on an associate in arts degree at Saint Paul College. “They really take the time with us to make sure we are learning.”

Saint Paul College, located in the heart of Saint Paul's Cathedral Hill, has been educating students since 1910. Its ongoing mission is to provide: Education for Employment … Education for Life. The College offers a breadth of liberal arts, sciences, trade and technical programs to give our students the skills they need to succeed at work and in higher education.

Visit us at http://www.saintpaul.edu.

Contact:
Jim Stumne
Saint Paul College
651-846-1305
jim(dot)stumne(at)saintpaul(dot)edu

###