Green River Community College was among the nation’s top associate degree and certificate awarding colleges in the 2012-2013 academic year according to a study released by national journal Community College Week. Over the last 10 years, Green River has made the top 100 list seven times.

“The Community College Week study reflects what we at Green River strive to do every day: ensure student success,” said Green River President Dr. Eileen Ely. “Our vision is to be ranked among the very best in student completion and success and it is gratifying to see that we are reaching that goal.”

In addition to the top 100 associate degree-granting rank, Green River was recognized as 14 in the country among two-year colleges producing Natural Resources and Conservation degrees. The college is currently working toward creating a four-year Bachelor of Applied Science degree for its nationally-recognized natural resources program.

Green River also ranked in the top 100 colleges granting one-year certificates in all disciplines. It also ranked among the top 25 colleges in the country in total non-minority, African-American and Asian-American students earning one-year certificates. Among American-Indian students receiving a one-year certificate, Green River ranked 60 nationally. A certificate is a short-term credential showing a student’s abilities within a more comprehensive degree.

The Community College Week study found that two-year colleges nationwide conferred 8 percent more associate degrees in the 2012-13 academic year than in the previous year. Colleges included in the study awarded over one million degrees for the first time in history.