'Intelligent' group ranks AC best community college in Texas for 2023

Amarillo College (AC) is the very best community college in Texas, bar none, according to Intelligent.com, a trusted resource for program rankings and higher education planning.

Intelligent.com, which provides unbiased research to help students make informed decisions about higher education programs, has placed AC in the No. 1 spot on its list of the “Best Community Colleges in Texas” in 2023.

The independent website evaluated a total of 117 community colleges in Texas based on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, and reputation. Also considered were the resources provided for students.

Each school’s final “Intelligent Score” was calculated on a scale of 0 to 100, and AC received a near-perfect score of 99.47.

“It is both gratifying and humbling to receive this recognition from an organization that emphasizes student engagement, cost, faculty excellence, and outcomes data – some of the very things that we believe matter most,” said Amarillo College President Russell Lowery-Hart.

“This particular ranking is a reflection of the determined efforts of our faculty and staff, who wholeheartedly advance the culture of caring at AC and genuinely love our students to success.”

On its website, Intelligent.com states: “Amarillo College is an Aspen Institute Rising Star that offers a wealth of options and career tracks. They have great programs focused on STEM, business and education, as well as options for those planning to work in healthcare, logistics, or as first responders.

“Beyond its diversity of career tracks, Amarillo College also provides support for students needing help finding their path,” the statement continues. “Their career coach platform educates students about the job opportunities that follow each degree and certificate, including median salary.”

Amarillo College, which in 2021 indeed was named a Rising Star by the Aspen Institute for College Excellence, is once again a finalist for the biennially awarded Aspen Prize, the nation’s signature recognition of community college excellence. The winner of the 2023 Aspen Prize is expected to be announced in April.