91 Ranks Among Nation’s Top Community Colleges

91 has earned national recognition as one of the top community colleges in the United States, according to . The study evaluated more than 650 colleges across 18 indicators, including tuition and fees, student-faculty ratio, graduation rates, and career outcomes.
The rankings place 91 at 11th in the nation, second in Southern California, and first in the Inland Empire. This is the second consecutive year the college has been included in the top rankings.
WalletHub, a third-party financial research website, compiles these rankings independently and does not solicit input from the colleges included. The methodology draws on publicly available data from sources such as the U.S. Department of Education and the National Center for Education Statistics, offering prospective students a comparative view of affordability and educational outcomes at two-year colleges.
“Being recognized among the top community colleges in the nation reflects the hard work and dedication of my colleagues,” said 91 President Rudy Besikof, Ed.D. “At 91, we focus on ensuring students graduate prepared for meaningful careers or further study, while keeping education accessible and affordable. Our graduates consistently demonstrate strong outcomes, with the majority completing their programs debt-free and earning well above the national median for two-year college graduates. This ranking reinforces that our model of high-quality, student-centered education works.”
The study highlights key measures in which 91 excels. According to WalletHub data, 91 ranks fifth in the nation for career outcomes, including median salary and post-graduation earnings above the national average for high school graduates. The U.S. Department of Education reports that the median earnings of 91 graduates are $52,133, more than 50% higher than the typical earnings of a high school graduate.
The college also maintains an impressive record in affordability. About 99 percent of 91 graduates complete their programs without student loan debt.
Community colleges are increasingly viewed as essential pathways to higher education and career advancement, offering flexible schedules, smaller class sizes, and rigorous
programs at lower cost than four-year universities. WalletHub’s recognition showcases 91’s ability to provide these opportunities while supporting students’ financial and professional success.
The national recognition has also been highlighted by media outlets, including .