Frequently Asked Questions
Why change the methodology for calculating R1?
Since 2005, the methodology for classifying R1 institutions has been based on a complicated, 10-metric formula that uses normative and relative scores and places a cap on the number of institutions that can be classified as R1. The result is an opaque process and a moving target that makes it impossible to determine exactly what an institution must do to become classified as R1. This has created unintended competition between institutions that are left to guess what it takes to receive the R1 designation.
The R1 grouping is intended to capture institutions where there is a very high amount of research occurring, measured by the number of research/scholarship doctorates awarded and the amount of spending on research and development. That research activity can be undertaken in any way that an institution chooses to further its mission. The updated methodology makes that clearer.
What are the changes to classifying research? How will you calculate the new R1?
Moving forward, the methodology for determining R1 will return to using a clear threshold. For the 2025 Carnegie Classifications, the threshold will be set at $50 million in total R&D spending and 70 doctoral research degrees. To determine which institutions meet this threshold, the classifications will use the higher of either a three-year rolling average or most recent year data. The research spending will be taken from the National Science Foundation (NSF) Higher Education Research and Development (HERD) Survey, and the doctoral research degree number will be taken from the National Center for Education Statistics IPEDS data. Any institution that meets this new R1 threshold will be included.
We will also change the title of this category to R1: Very High Research Spending and Doctorate Production.
How will you define R2?
Unlike R1, the existing methodology for determining R2 is already based on a threshold, which will continue to remain the same in the next update. The threshold for R2 will continue to be defined as institutions with at least 20 doctoral research degrees that also have at least $5 million in total research expenditures (as reported through the NSF HERD Survey). There will not be a cap on the number of institutions that can be in this category.
We will also change the title of this category to R2: High Research Spending and Doctorate Production.
How will you define the new “Research Colleges and Universities” research designation?
The new Research Colleges and Universities designation will be based on expenditures only and will include any institution that spends more than $2.5 million on research expenditures (as reported through the NSF HERD survey). Institutions that are in the R1 or R2 designations are not included. There will not be a cap on the number of institutions that can be in this category.
How will the research designations fit into the structure of the Basic Classification?
The research designations will be separated from the Basic Classification, becoming additional listings for those institutions that meet the definitions. Research activity continues to be an important way to reflect institutional missions for a number of colleges and universities and will continue to be recognized, but it will no longer be the exclusive driver for how American higher education institutions are classified.
Will you change the research designation thresholds in the future?
We expect to adjust the thresholds over time. We will share updated thresholds in advance of each classification release.
How often are the Carnegie Classifications updated?
The Carnegie Classifications will continue to be published on a three-year cycle. The 2021 Carnegie Classifications were released in February 2022, and we expect to release the 2025 Carnegie Classifications in early 2025.
Where can I read more about the changes announced so far?
On November 1, 2023, ACE and the Carnegie Foundation announced the changes outlined above as we work toward the release of the 2025 Carnegie Classifications. In addition, you can read more about the changes and share input on potential characteristics for the new Basic Classification here.
Does the November 1 announcement change an institution’s current Carnegie Classifications?
The changes announced on November 1, including to the R1 threshold, do not impact the current 2021 Carnegie Classifications that were released in February 2022. These changes will be made as a part of the 2025 Carnegie Classifications. The classifications will continue to be revised on a three-year schedule moving forward.