Cowley College Awarded on USA TODAY’s America’s Top Vocational Schools 2026 List

 Cowley College has been awarded on USA TODAY’s list of America’s Top Vocational Schools 2026. The award list was announced on July 23rd, 2026, and can currently be viewed on the USA TODAY’s website. 

The ranking of the best schools offering vocational training via undergraduate certificate or diploma is based on an analysis of five Key Performance Indicators. The five dimensions evaluated during our research were: Graduation Rate, Graduate Salary, Years to Pay Off Net Price, Social Mobility, and Diversity. Data on the schools’ performance was collected through publicly available sources like IPEDS and College Scorecard. All schools were benchmarked against one another using the final score. Based on the results of the study, Cowley has been recognized as one of America’s Top Vocational Schools 2026. This award serves to reinforce Cowley’s unwavering commitment to excellence in hands-on education, career readiness, and workforce development. 

Cowley works closely with industry partners to ensure their curriculum meets the current workforce demands. This alignment allows students to graduate with relevant, high-demand skills that translate directly into employment opportunities, often without the burden of long-term student debt. For more information about programs, enrollment, and career pathways, visit cowley.edu. 

Statista publishes hundreds of worldwide industry rankings and company listings with high-profile media partners. This research and analysis service is based on the success of statista.com, the leading data and business intelligence portal that provides statistics, relevant business data, and various market and consumer studies and surveys. 

“At Cowley College, we take great pride in preparing our students for the workforce and providing the hands-on training employers need”, said Cowley College President, Dr. Michelle Schoon. “Being recognized as one of the nation’s top vocational schools and the only Kansas community college on the list is a tremendous honor.”

Hunter Ferguson | Integrated Communications Specialist
Cowley College
125 S. 2nd Street
Arkansas City, KS 67005
hunter.ferguson@cowley.edu