The APPA Award for Excellence is designed to recognize and advance excellence in the field of educational facilities. Originally established in 1988, the Award for Excellence is APPA’s highest institutional honor and provides educational institutions the opportunity for national and international recognition for their outstanding achievements in facilities management. The award is designed to highlight the essential role of facilities operations in the overall institutional mission and vision. Award for Excellence nominations are evaluated using the same criteria applied through the Facilities Management Evaluation Program (FMEP). The Award for Excellence designation is valid for a period of five years. Below are ERAPPA institutions that have received this distinction:
| Year | Educational Institution | Chapter |
| 2018 | Montclair State University | NJAPPA |
| 2014 | Philadelphia University | DVAPPA |
| 2012 | Harrisburg Area Community College | KAPPA |
| 2009 | Philadelphia University | DVAPPA |
| 2006 | Smithsonian Institution | MD/DC APPA |
| 2003 | University of Maryland, Baltimore | MD/DC APPA |
| 1999 | Memorial University of Newfoundland | AAPPA |
| 1991 | Mohawk College of Applied Arts and Technology | OAPPA |
| 1990 | United States Military Academy | NYAPPA |
| 1990 | Rutgers University | NJAPPA |
| 1989 | Fitchburg State College | SNEAPPA |
| 1989 | University of Vermont | SNEAPPA |
| 1988 | Rochester Institute of Technology | NYAPPA |
| 1988 | University of Maryland, Baltimore | MD/DC APPA |