The New Carnegie Classification and What It Means for Students

If you’ve ever researched colleges seriously, you’ve probably come across phrases like “R1 university,” “doctoral-granting,” or “baccalaureate college.” These terms all come from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education—a framework that has been used since 1973 to sort colleges into groups based on things like degree offerings, research intensity, and institutional focus.

But now, big changes are on the horizon. In 2025, the Carnegie Classification system is getting its most significant overhaul in decades. And while this might sound like the kind of thing only admissions officers or policy wonks care about, students should pay attention too. The new system could affect how schools are perceived, how funding is allocated, and how you research and compare colleges.

Here’s what you need to know—and how it might shape your college decisions.

What Is the Carnegie Classification, Anyway?

The Carnegie Classification was developed to group U.S. colleges and universities into similar categories to help researchers and policymakers compare them more effectively. But over time, it’s taken on a much bigger role.

Today, it’s used by:

• Colleges to benchmark against peers

• Government agencies to guide funding and research grants

• Prospective students and parents to understand institutional prestige

For example, when a school calls itself an “R1” university, that means it’s classified as a Doctoral University with Very High Research Activity—the top research tier in the current Carnegie system.

What’s Changing in 2025?

The Carnegie Foundation, now partnered with the American Council on Education (ACE), has announced a new version of the classification system designed to reflect what really matters to students, not just faculty or grant writers.

Here are the major shifts:

1. New “Social and Economic Mobility” Category

One of the most exciting additions is a classification based on how well a college moves students from low-income backgrounds into higher income brackets.

This means schools will be evaluated on:

• Enrolling Pell Grant recipients and first-gen students

• Supporting them to graduation

• Helping them access strong job outcomes or graduate education

Why it matters to students: This makes it easier to identify schools that are actually doing the work of helping students succeed—not just admitting high-achievers.

2. Updated Research Categories

The old “R1/R2/R3” labels are being reconsidered to include more nuance. The new research classification will go beyond sheer volume of research dollars and degrees to include:

• Undergraduate research opportunities

• Community impact of research

• Interdisciplinary or applied research focus

Why it matters: Schools with strong research and student involvement may get more visibility. That’s great news if you're looking for undergrad lab access or project-based learning.

3. Teaching-Focused Classifications

Another major shift: a new dimension for teaching quality and educational practices. While hard to quantify, this will include:

• Faculty-student interaction

• High-impact practices like service learning and first-year seminars

• Outcomes tied to learning and skill development

Why it matters: Instead of just ranking schools by inputs (test scores, endowments), this encourages recognition of schools that teach well, not just select well.

4. More Flexibility for Emerging Institutions

The current system often locks colleges into narrow definitions—like “liberal arts college” or “regional master’s university.” The new system will:

• Let colleges appear in multiple categories (e.g., research + teaching + mobility)

• Adapt more quickly to growing or changing schools

Why it matters: A fast-rising university or a strong honors college at a regional school might get the recognition it deserves.

What This Means for Students and Families

Better Tools for College Search

Right now, many students pick schools based on prestige, rankings, or name recognition. The new Carnegie system could shift focus toward impact—how much a school improves student outcomes, supports underrepresented communities, or fosters real learning.

More Visibility for Underrated Schools

Regional public universities, HBCUs, and Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) often outperform their reputations in student support and upward mobility. These schools may gain new attention—and potentially funding—under the new classification system.

A New Way to Think About “Best Fit”

You may start seeing schools highlight “social mobility” or “undergraduate research access” in their marketing materials and info sessions. That’s a good thing—it signals a shift away from chasing rankings, and toward finding places where you can thrive.

How to Use the New Carnegie System (As a Student)

When the changes roll out in 2025, here’s how you can put them to work:

1. Look for Mission-Aligned Schools

Are you a first-gen student? A budding researcher? A passionate learner who wants mentorship? Use the new classifications to find schools that match your goals.

2. Don’t Rely on R1 Labels Alone

A school without an R1 label might still offer excellent research opportunities, especially for undergrads. The new categories will help you dig deeper into how research fits into the student experience.

3. Focus on Outcomes, Not Inputs

Look at how well a college supports students to graduate, earn good jobs, or attend grad school—especially if you’re considering multiple schools with similar price tags.

4. Ask Better Questions on College Tours

With the new system in mind, ask:

• “How does your college support first-generation students?”

• “Are there research opportunities for freshmen?”

• “How do you measure student learning and success?”

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Final Takeaway: A Shift Toward Students

The new Carnegie Classification signals a major step forward in how we understand colleges—not just as research machines or prestige brands, but as engines of student growth, equity, and success.

For students and families, this is a win. It means:

• More meaningful comparisons between schools

• Greater transparency around student outcomes

• A stronger spotlight on institutions that actually deliver

As the new categories roll out in 2025, pay attention. They might just change the way you build your college list—and how the world talks about what makes a great school.

FAQ

When did the new Carnegie Classification take effect?

April 2025

Will college rankings change because of this?

Maybe. U.S. News and others use Carnegie categories as part of their ranking logic. A shift in classifications could reshuffle peer groups and weighting.

Will colleges advertise their new classification?

Yes. Just like many schools currently tout “R1” status, expect new badges like “Top in Social Mobility” or “Research with Student Impact” to appear in marketing materials.

Where can I find my school’s classification?

The Carnegie Classification will continue to be hosted at carnegieclassifications.acenet.edu, with new dashboards coming soon.