ECC Earns Top Community College Ranking in State

East Central College is recognized as Missouri’s top community college, based on cost, graduation rates, and career outcomes.

The top ranking can be found in WalletHub’s 2025 Best & Worst Community Colleges report, which places ECC first among the state’s 12 community colleges.

The study evaluated more than 650 two-year colleges nationwide — including some institutions not officially considered community colleges — across three key dimensions: Cost & Financing, Education Outcomes, and Career Outcomes. Metrics included tuition, graduation and retention rates, and alumni salaries.

The only Missouri institution ranked ahead of ECC is the State Technical College of Missouri (State Tech). State Tech is not part of Missouri’s community college system. It is a separate public technical college with a statewide mission, rather than a locally governed community college district.

According to WalletHub, cost remains one of the most important considerations when choosing a college, and community colleges provide students with the opportunity to earn an education without excessive financial strain.

“This recognition underscores the dedication of our faculty and staff to student success,” said Dr. Jon Bauer, ECC president. “Every day, they bring energy and expertise into the classroom and across campus to support students in achieving their goals. We take pride in offering an exceptional education that is both affordable and accessible, keeping college within reach for the communities we serve.”

In the 2024–25 academic year, tuition and fees at four-year public institutions averaged nearly three times higher than those at community colleges, with private four-year colleges averaging more than ten times higher. Students who earn an Associate of Arts degree at a community college like ECC and then transfer to an in-state public four-year university can see significant savings.

The Best & Worst Community Colleges report also highlights the value of Missouri’s two-year institutions overall, with strong showings in multiple performance categories. ECC’s top statewide ranking builds on its continued reputation for academic excellence, affordability, and student support.

Stop by campus or visit www.eastcentral.edu to find out why ECC is ranked the top community college in Missouri.

To read more about the findings of the study and the metric used to determine ranks, visit www.wallethub.com/edu/e/best-worst-community-colleges/15076.