U.S. Department of Education Crowns Winners of Postsecondary Success Recognition Program: Celebrating Excellence in Education!

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Education has announced the first winners of the Postsecondary Success Recognition Program (PSRP). This program honors colleges and universities that excel in helping underserved students enroll, transfer, graduate, and prepare for careers that boost economic mobility.

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona launched this initiative in 2024. He explained that the program shifts the spotlight from how selective schools are to how effective they are in supporting students. “We want to celebrate schools that uplift students, not just those that reject them,” he said.

The six winning institutions represent a mix of community colleges and universities, serving students from various backgrounds in different locations. They were chosen based on their achievements in improving access and success rates, following a careful evaluation of available data, applications, and interviews with education experts.

Recognized Institutions:

• CUNY Hostos Community College (New York) — Hostos, located in the Bronx, supports a largely underrepresented student population, with over 65% receiving Pell Grants. They pride themselves on their strong graduation and transfer rates, offering resources like childcare and academic advising. President Daisy Cocco De Filippis said this recognition highlights their teamwork in helping students succeed.
• Miami Dade College (Florida) — With nearly 40,000 students, Miami Dade focuses on using data to develop programs that foster student success. About 90% of their students come from underserved backgrounds. President Madeline Pumariega sees this recognition as proof of their dedication to student achievement.
• Salish Kootenai College (Montana) — This tribal college supports Native students with culturally tailored education. They boast a graduation and transfer rate of over 68% within eight years, with services like comprehensive CARE teams for holistic student support.

• San Jose State University (California) — San Jose State is committed to supporting undergraduates, especially transfer students. They have successfully increased graduation rates by simplifying credit policies. President Cynthia Teniente-Matson highlighted their commitment to creating an inclusive campus.
• University of South Carolina Upstate (South Carolina) — This university streamlines services to tackle academic and non-academic challenges. President Bennie Harris expressed pride in their role in promoting economic mobility for their local community.
• University of Texas at Arlington (Texas) — UTA focuses on career preparation, partnering with employers and offering personalized career counseling. As a result, graduates earn significantly more than those with just a high school diploma, illustrating their impact on economic mobility.

Trailblazer Recognition: Georgia State University (GSU) received a special Trailblazer Award for its dedication to improving student outcomes. GSU’s innovative advising and use of predictive analytics have greatly increased retention and graduation rates. Their National Institute for Student Success has supported over 100 institutions, impacting over one million students. President M. Brian Blake sees this award as a sign of their commitment to student opportunity.

The PSRP represents a new approach to recognizing excellence in higher education. By highlighting institutions that help underserved communities, it challenges traditional ideas about what makes a school prestigious.

Under Secretary James Kvaal praised the winners for opening doors to valuable degrees for underserved populations, setting a new standard in higher education.

This initiative reflects a vision for a fair education system where barriers are removed, aiming for a brighter future for everyone.