The list reveals that these little-known two-year institutions actually offer more rigorous and successful teaching than do many four-year universities ranked in U.S. News' top tier, according to a press release issued by the magazine.

Hawai'i CC's ranking was largely based on the 2006 Community College Survey of Student Engagement (CCSSE) as well as graduation rates. At 21 percent, Hawai'i CC's graduation rate has led the UH Community College system since the 2002-03 academic year.

For its evaluation, the CCSSE considers 5 benchmarks of effective educational practice: active and collaborative learning; student effort; academic challenge; student-faculty interaction; and support for learners.

CCSSE has identified Hawai'i Community College to be above the national mean at a statistically significant level for the following student experiences:

iMaking class presentations;

iWorking with other students on projects during class;

iParticipation in community-based projects as a part of a regular course;

iPreparing two or more drafts of a paper or assignment before turning it in;

iSynthesizing and organizing ideas, information or experiences in new ways;

iNumber of required written papers or reports of any length;

iWorking with instructors on activities other than coursework; and

iEncouraging contact among students from different economic, social and racial or ethnic backgrounds.

"This ranking is indicative of the challenging and supportive academic environment that has been created by the faculty and staff at Hawai'i Community College," said Doug Dykstra, Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs. "Moreover, it is a reflection of a student body that recognizes and appreciates the community values endemic to the college's academic and support programs."

The college was especially strong at the national level with respect to its encouragement for programs emphasizing collaborative, project oriented and community based learning activities.

Dykstra adds, "This national ranking reflects the stellar quality of our programs and the constructive, service orientation of our faculty and staff. It is an honor to be associated with a campus community that has built this reputation."

In addition to America's Best Community Colleges list, the magazine's college rankings include the top 30 schools for national universities and liberal arts colleges.

To view the issue, visit www.washingtonmonthly.com/features/2007/0709.collegeguide.html.