Personal finance website WalletHub once again found ΊΪΑΟΙη to be one of the nation's top public community and technical colleges, ranking No. 8 this year, up from fifteenth in 2025.
For its annual report, WalletHub evaluated 613 institutions based on cost and financing, educational outcomes, and career outcomes. Colby was the second-highest-ranked community college in Kansas.
Strong student outcomes have long been a hallmark of ΊΪΑΟΙη. The college has recorded the highest graduation rate in Kansas in seven of the past 11 years and has led the state in fall-to-fall retention five times over the past seven years.
The institution has invested heavily in housing and other student-centered facilities. An 80-bed residence hall is under construction and expected to open for the fall 2027 semester to help accommodate enrollment growth. Since 2015, Colby's student headcount has increased 19.2%, the largest gain among Kansas community colleges.
"Being recognized among the nationβs top community colleges reflects the commitment of our faculty and staff to student success,β ΊΪΑΟΙη President Seth Carter said. βOur graduation and retention rates show that students are choosing Colby, staying and completing their education. As we continue to grow, our focus remains on providing an affordable, high-quality education where students can succeed
Colby has a strong record of delivering value for students and has also been recognized by other independent organizations, including SmartAsset and University HQ. In 2025, the Aspen Institute also named ΊΪΑΟΙη one of 200 institutions eligible to compete for the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence.