Have you ever seen the phrase “Carnegie Classification” while searching for colleges and wondering what that actually means? You’re definitely not alone! Here’s the rundown on everything you need to know about Carnegie Classifications, what they mean for you, and how colleges and universities use them.
Flickr user Nida Haider
What Are Carnegie Classifications?
The phrase “Carnegie Classification” refers to the framework that is used to categorize colleges, universities, and other institutions of higher learning in the United States. Classification is done every three years into these types:
- Doctoral universities
- Master’s degree colleges and universities
- Baccalaureate colleges
- Baccalaureate/associate colleges
- Associate’s colleges
- Special focus intuitions
- Tribal colleges
Descriptions of the Carnegie Classifications
Although schools are categorized into the various types listed above, the actual classification can be a little more specific. Tiers, for example, can be used for doctoral and master’s universities; these are based on number of degrees vs research dollars and student enrollment. Research universities also have research classifications.
This handy table describes all the various classifications and what they actually mean:
| Carnegie Classification | Description |
|---|---|
| Doctoral Universities (Tier R1) | Doctoral Universities (Tier R1) Very high research activity and award at least 20 research or practice doctorates every year |
| Doctoral Universities (Tier R2) | High research activity and award at least 20 research or practice doctorates every year |
| Doctoral Universities (Tier R3 or D/PU) | Moderate research activity and award at least 20 research or practice doctorates every year |
| Master’s Colleges and Universities: Larger Programs (Tier M1) | Award at least 50 master’s degrees every year |
| Master’s Colleges and Universities: Medium Programs (Tier M2) | Award at least 50 master’s degrees every year |
| Master’s Colleges and Universities: Smaller Programs (Tier M3) | Award at least 50 master’s degrees every year |
| Baccalaureate Colleges: Arts & Sciences | At least 10% of degrees are bachelor's degrees |
| Baccalaureate Colleges: Diverse Fields | At least 10% of degrees are bachelor's degrees |
| Baccalaureate/Associate’s Colleges: Associates Dominant | At least 10% of degrees are bachelor's degrees |
| Baccalaureate/Associate’s Colleges: Mixed Baccalaureate/Associate’s | At least 10% of degrees are bachelor's degrees |
| Associate's Colleges: High Transfer – High Traditional | The highest degree awarded is an associate’s |
| Associate's Colleges: High Transfer – Mixed Traditional/Nontraditional | The highest degree awarded is an associate’s |
| Associate's Colleges: High Transfer – High Nontraditional | The highest degree awarded is an associate’s |
| Associate's Colleges: High Career – Mixed Traditional/Nontraditional | The highest degree awarded is an associate’s |
| Associate's Colleges: High Career – High Nontraditional | The highest degree awarded is an associate’s |
| Special Focus Two Year: Technical Progressions | At least 80% of degrees that are considered special focus at two-year schools |
| Special Focus Two Year: Health Professions | At least 80% of degrees that are considered special focus at two-year schools |
| Special Focus Two Year: Arts and Design | At least 80% of degrees that are considered special focus at two-year schools |
| Special Focus Two Year: Other Fields | At least 80% of degrees that are considered special focus at two-year schools |
| Special Focus Four Year: Engineering Schools | At least 80% of degrees that are considered special focus at four-year schools |
| Special Focus Four Year: Medical Schools and Centers | At least 80% of degrees that are considered special focus at four-year schools |
| Special Focus Four Year: Other Technology-Related Schools | At least 80% of degrees that are considered special focus at four-year schools |
| Special Focus Four Year: Other Health Professions Schools | At least 80% of degrees that are considered special focus at four-year schools |
| Special Focus Four Year: Law Schools | At least 80% of degrees that are considered special focus at four-year schools |
| Special Focus Four Year: Arts, Music, and Design Schools | At least 80% of degrees that are considered special focus at four-year schools |
| Special Focus Four Year: Other Special Focus Institutions | At least 80% of degrees that are considered special focus at four-year schools |
| Tribal Colleges and Universities | Schools that are a part of the American Indian Higher Education Consortium |
| Not classified | All other colleges, universities, and institutions |
What Do Carnegie Classifications Mean for Schools?
For many schools, Carnegie Classifications simply describe what they offer students. However, when it comes to tiers, these are considered high prestige.
R1: Doctoral Universities, for example, will tend to rank higher on college ranking lists compared to R2 or R3: Doctoral Universities. This ranking and classification can also influence the institution’s ability to attract students, faculty, and other leading staff members.
What Do Carnegie Classifications Mean For You?
In most cases, Carnegie Classifications won’t mean a lot to you, especially early on – and that’s okay! They shouldn’t really play a role in your college decision as they offer so little information about what the school actually offers students. If you’re going after your master’s or doctorate, they may be a good starting point depending on your wants and needs, but there are a number of other factors that you should think about however when deciding on a college or university!
While it is definitely helpful to know what a college is classified as under Carnegie Classifications, for most students, it won’t really play a role just yet. This is especially the case with undergraduate students who are going after their bachelor’s or associate’s. However, it may be something to look into further when it’s time to get your master’s or doctorate.
Finding the perfect college for you can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. But there are resources that will help you identify the factors that are most important to you in a school. College Raptor’s College Match tool is completely free and can help you find the colleges and universities that fit your goals, achievements, needs, and wants.
