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Higher Education Excellence and Distinction (HEED) Award
Undergraduate Institution HEED Award
🔹 Award Summary
The HEED Award honors colleges and universities across the U.S. and Canada that demonstrate a strong, sustained commitment to academic excellence and community-building across all levels of campus life.
🔍 What This Award Recognizes
This prestigious award celebrates institutions that have implemented comprehensive strategies to support excellence in student success, employee recruitment and retention, and welcoming environments where everyone can achieve success. Applications are evaluated across recruitment, retention, policy, programs, leadership, and more.
đź’ˇ Why Apply: The Value of Recognition
Earning the HEED Award places your institution among a nationally recognized cohort of changemakers. This distinction boosts your institution’s reputation, signals your values to students and faculty, and supports grant and partnership opportunities.
Participation is free; there are no hidden costs.
This award is open to all baccalaureate-granting institutions across the U.S. and Canada.
View the Full List of 2025 HEED Award Winners
Download the 2025 Award Press Release
HEED Champion Award
HEED Champions exemplify an unyielding commitment to excellence throughout their campus communities, across programs, and at the highest administrative levels. A limited number of colleges and universities across the nation have been selected for this honor.
🔍 What This Honor Represents
Known for their visionary leadership, HEED Champions set the standard for thousands of other institutions striving for excellence. These colleges and universities go beyond the standard, implementing bold strategies that foster outstanding learning environments, increase representation, and drive meaningful institutional change.
HEED Champion institutions consistently rank in the top tier of Higher Education Excellence and Distinction (HEED) Award recipients, exceeding expectations and often surpassing their own goals. By developing and sharing successful initiatives, they serve as national models for excellence in higher education.
Learn About Past HEED Champions
Community College HEED Award
🔹Award Summary
The Community College HEED Award recognizes outstanding efforts by two-year institutions to advance excellence and build meaningful connections with students, faculty, and the surrounding community.
🔍 What This Award Recognizes
This award honors community colleges that make student and employee success a campus-wide priority — from inclusive recruitment and pedagogy to accessible student services and staff development programs.
đź’ˇ Why Apply
Community colleges face unique challenges and opportunities. Winning this award celebrates your leadership in innovation, academic excellence, and cultivating a warm campus community.
Participation is free; there are no hidden costs.
Open to all U.S. and Canadian community colleges.
View the Full List of 2025 HEED Award Winners
Download the 2025 Award Press Release
Health Professions HEED Award
🔹Award Summary
The Health Professions HEED Award honors U.S. and Canadian medical, dental, pharmacy, nursing, and health profession schools committed to cultivating community and excellence in healthcare education.
🔍 What This Award Recognizes
This award highlights institutions that address multitudes of health concerns, build pipeline programs for students in the health professions, and create a community of excellence and innovation.
đź’ˇ Why Apply
It positions your school as a leader in healthcare education, enhances your public and professional reputation, and opens doors to collaboration and funding.
Participation is free; there are no hidden costs.
Open to all U.S. and Canadian health professions schools.
View the Full List of 2025 Health Professions HEED Award Winners
Download the 2025 Award Press Release
Graduate and Law School HEED Award
🔹 Award Summary
These category-specific awards recognize graduate and law schools that demonstrate excellence and best practices in providing advanced education programs.
🔍 What These Awards Recognize
Applicants showcase recruitment, outstanding faculty hiring practices, student support services, and academic environments where all can thrive.
đź’ˇ Why Apply
Being honored reinforces your school’s mission and enhances your ability to attract top students, faculty, and institutional partners.
Participation is free; there are no hidden costs.
Open to all U.S. and Canadian graduate and law schools
View the Full List of 2025 HEED Award Winners
