Prince George’s Community College (PGCC) has earned top national honors, ranking as the No. 1 community college in Maryland and No. 19 in the United States, according to WalletHub’s 2026 Best & Worst Community Colleges report.
The institution emerged as a standout among 613 community colleges evaluated nationwide, placing in the top 20 across the country. WalletHub’s annual ranking specifically lauded PGCC for its strong graduate retention rates, high median earnings for alumni, and its commitment to recognizing prior learning by offering academic credit for real-world life experiences.
“Being ranked No. 1 among Maryland’s community colleges and No. 19 nationally is a tremendous point of pride for Prince George’s Community College,” said President Falecia D. Williams, Ed.D. “This recognition reflects the excellence of our faculty and staff and our commitment to keep students at the center of every decision we make. We celebrate this achievement with gratitude for how far PGCC has come and with a clear sense of purpose for where we are going next.”
How PGCC Measured Up
WalletHub evaluated schools across 18 distinct metrics grouped into three core categories: Cost & Financing, Educational Outcomes, and Career Outcomes. Data collected as of July 2026 was pulled from key national resources, including the U.S. Department of Education and the National Center for Education Statistics.
Key factors driving PGCC’s top ranking include:
- Cost & Financing: In-state tuition and fees, along with available grant and scholarship aid.
- Educational Outcomes: Student retention, graduation rates, student-to-faculty ratios, and total credentials awarded.
- Career Outcomes: Competitive median graduate salaries and low student-loan default rates.
Maryland Tops the Nation
PGCC’s top mark arrives alongside broader recognition for the state: Maryland was named the No. 1 state in the nation for community college systems, with five of its institutions ranking within the top 30 nationwide.
Serving nearly 25,000 residents annually across Prince George’s County, PGCC continues to strengthen its mission of offering accessible, high-quality education, career training, and responsive degree pathways.
Learn more at https://www.pgcc.edu/about-pgcc/news/2026/pgcc-ranks-no-1-among-marylands-community-colleges.php
