Hillsborough Community College ranked in the top five nationally among two-year colleges in awarding associate degrees last year, according to a new report.

According to Community College Week, HCC awarded the fifth most associate degrees overall and second most degrees in liberal arts and sciences.

Using data from the U.S. Department of Education, which compared more than 1,200 community colleges, HCC awarded 3,843 associate degrees during the 2011-12 academic year. 

Also. HCC awarded the 13th most associate degrees to Hispanic students and 15th most to African American students.

In other categories, HCC ranked eighth in awarding associate degrees for all health professions and clinical sciences and eighth in nursing degrees.

"HCC is wholly committed to student success and ensuring that we foster a learning environment that prepares (students) to complete their studies to go on to become successful, productive citizens," HCC President Ken Atwater said. "These rankings clearly illustrate that commitment."

HCC serves more than 47,000 students annually on campuses on Dale Mabry Highway in Tampa and in Brandon, Plant City, Ruskin and Ybor City. The college is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.