The Connecticut State Colleges & Universities’ North-West region topped the list of the state’s community colleges in the 2021 Niche Best Community Colleges rankings.

In the list of best Connecticut community colleges, Niche ranked Asnuntuck number 1, followed by Tunxis at number 2, and Northwestern CT in the third spot. The list is based on analysis of academic, admissions, financial, and student life data from the U.S. Department of Education, U.S. Census and FBI, as well as reviews from students, alumni and parents.

“While Asnuntuck, Tunxis and Northwestern CT have long been recognized as wonderful places to learn, grow, and start on new academic and career paths, we’re very proud of our staff and faculty for earning this statewide distinction, and for their efforts in helping our students succeed and reach their goals,” said Dr. James Lombella, North-West regional president of the Connecticut Community Colleges.

“We are honored to be recognized as Connecticut’s #1 community college by Niche,” said Dr. Michelle Coach, Asnuntuck interim campus CEO. “This reaffirms our students’ positive experiences and strong connections with Asnuntuck faculty, staff and other students, and our excellent graduation rate.”

“This great news underscores Tunxis employees’ commitment and dedication to student success,” said Dr. Darryl Reome, Tunxis interim campus CEO. “Many students choose Tunxis each semester for the wide variety of academic programs, supportive learning environment, student leadership opportunities, and the overall great value in preparing for careers and transfer to bachelor’s degree programs.”

“We are pleased by the value our students place on their education, and the many doors that open for them upon completing their studies,” said Northwestern CT President Dr. Michael Rooke. “While we have been recognized for many years as a great choice for students of all ages, this validates the hard work of our faculty and staff in helping our students flourish and achieve success.”

The Niche rankings are available at https://www.niche.com/colleges/search/best-community-colleges/s/connecticut/. Click here for more on the rankings methodology.

Approximately 11,000 credit and continuing education students are registered this spring in the CT North-West regional community colleges. Of those, about 6,000 students are registered at Asnuntuck (Enfield), Tunxis (Farmington), and Northwestern CT Community Colleges (Winsted).

The three colleges have been recently recognized in other categories as best in the state and nation. Asnuntuck was named to the list of Military Friendly Schools, and is ranked number 4 in Connecticut by WalletHub. Tunxis was ranked number 3 both among the best Connecticut community colleges offering online learning by OnlineU, and among the safest colleges in Connecticut in 2020 by StateUniversity.com. Tunxis is also a top-ranked best military-friendly college by Intelligent.com, and was voted among the best colleges in Hartford Magazine’s annual “Best Of” readers’ poll. Northwestern CT ranks number 1 in CT by WalletHub for the fifth year in a row, and is ranked as the sixth best community college in the country.

For more information on programs at Asnuntuck, call 860.253.3012, or visit asnuntuck.edu; for Tunxis, call 860.773.1490 or visit tunxis.edu, and for Northwestern CT, call 860.738.6300, or visit nwcc.edu.