WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Education has named six institutions of higher learning and one trailblazer award recipient as winners of the inaugural Postsecondary Success Recognition Program (PSRP). This program celebrates colleges and universities that are leading the way in enrolling underserved students, enabling successful transfers and graduations, and equipping students for careers that promote economic mobility.
Launched by U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona in 2024, the PSRP shifts the focus of institutional recognition from selectivity to impact. “Instead of giving schools high marks for the number of students they turn down, we want to recognize schools doing the most to lift students up,” Cardona said. He emphasized that the program rewards institutions that advance equity and access for underserved populations, envisioning a new standard of excellence in higher education.
The 2025 winners represent a diverse array of institutions, from community colleges to doctoral-granting universities, serving students across urban, rural, and suburban areas. Each was chosen through a rigorous selection process starting with publicly available data, followed by applications and interviews evaluated by education experts. This process ensured the honorees demonstrated measurable outcomes in improving access, student success, and economic mobility.
Recognized Institutions
Predominantly Associate Degree or Certificate Granting Institutions:
- CUNY Hostos Community College (New York) — Located in the South Bronx, Hostos Community College serves a predominantly underrepresented student body. With over 65% of students receiving Pell Grants and 56% achieving transfer or graduation within eight years, Hostos has prioritized student support with resources like childcare services and academic advising. Hostos President Daisy Cocco De Filippis acknowledged the recognition, calling it a testament to the institution’s “manos a la obra”—all hands-on-deck—approach to helping students overcome challenges.
- Miami Dade College (Florida) — Serving nearly 40,000 students, this institution is lauded for its strategic use of data to test and scale programs that support student success. With a student body that is nearly 90% underserved students of color, Miami Dade President Madeline Pumariega welcomed the recognition as validation of their long-standing commitment to advancing student success through proven strategies.
- Salish Kootenai College (Montana) — This tribal institution on the Flathead Indian Reservation focuses on culturally responsive education to serve the needs of Native students. Over 68% of students transfer or graduate within eight years, and initiatives like comprehensive CARE teams provide holistic student support.
Predominantly Bachelor’s Degree Granting Institutions:
- San Jose State University (California) — Serving approximately 30,000 undergraduates, SJSU has made significant strides in increasing graduation rates and closing equity gaps. It excels at supporting transfer students through streamlined credit policies. “We are honored to be among the inaugural winners,” said President Cynthia Teniente-Matson, emphasizing their commitment to a student-ready campus.
- University of South Carolina Upstate (South Carolina) — Committed to its local community, USC Upstate unifies student services under a centralized model to address both academic and non-academic barriers to success. President Bennie Harris expressed pride in the recognition, highlighting their role in fostering economic mobility for underserved populations.
- University of Texas at Arlington (Texas) — This institution integrates personalized career counseling and employer partnerships to equip its diverse student body for the workforce. Students earn, on average, twice as much as high school graduates after completing their studies at UTA, further demonstrating the institution’s impact on upward mobility.
Trailblazer Recognition
A special Trailblazer Award was given to Georgia State University (GSU) in Atlanta for its leadership in improving student outcomes and sharing best practices nationwide. Using innovative advising strategies and predictive analytics, GSU has raised retention and graduation rates dramatically. Through its National Institute for Student Success, the university has helped over 100 institutions replicate its model, positively impacting over one million students. GSU President M. Brian Blake described the award as emblematic of their commitment to advancing opportunity and outcomes for all students.
Redefining Higher Education Excellence
The Postsecondary Success Recognition Program signifies a shift in recognizing excellence in higher education. By celebrating institutions for their ability to uplift underserved populations and foster economic mobility, it challenges conventional standards of prestige.
Under Secretary of Education James Kvaal applauded the winners, saying, “By creating more opportunities for valuable college degrees for underserved student populations, the winners of this program set a new standard for excellence in higher education.”
With this year’s honors, the U.S. Department of Education underscores its vision of an equitable education system where economic and social barriers are overcome, ensuring a brighter future for all.
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