Washington Colleges Among Best In Nation

RENTON, Wash. (AP) — Two colleges in Washington state are being recognized this week as among the top 10 community colleges in the nation.

The Aspen Institute has named Renton Technical College and Olympic College in Bremerton, Washington, as finalists in its national prize competition.

The institute recognized Renton Tech for its impressive graduation and transfer rate of 66 percent, compared to a national average of 40 percent. Many of its students move from basic education right into degree granting subject areas.

Renton Tech also serves many older, nontraditional students and has strong partnerships with local companies, including Boeing and Ford Motor Co.

Olympic College was honored for its career-oriented programs and connecting students to good jobs. The institute says Olympic graduates earned substantially more than other new hires in the region, one year after graduating.

A majority of Olympic students are the first in their families to go to college.