Institutions Across U.S. React to Being Named Opportunity Colleges and Universities Under the New Student Access and Earnings Classification  

The newly redesigned Carnegie Classifications are intended to better reflect the multifaceted nature of the higher education landscape and to measure the extent to which institutions provide students access and a path to earning competitive wages. The 2025 update includes a revision of the historic Basic Classification, now titled the Institutional Classification, and a newly developed Student Access and Earnings Classification.  

Learn more about the 2025 Student Access and Earnings Classification here. 

Additionally, the Carnegie Classifications now identify institutions within the Student Access and Earnings Classification that can serve as models for studying how campuses can foster student success, designating 479 of them as Opportunity Colleges and Universities. These 479 schools represent a wide variety of institutions of all sizes, locations, and types as drivers of opportunities for students. Here’s how a few of them are reacting to their new recognition: 

1. Germanna Community College (Fredericksburg, VA): “This is extremely gratifying news for Germanna and the communities it serves. Being nationally recognized as an Opportunity College reflects the College’s commitment to serving all students and the transformative impact we are having on the economic prosperity of our students and region. It reinforces the idea that community colleges like Germanna are the engines of economic mobility and community growth.” – Dr. Janet Gullickson, President of Germanna Community College 

2. Morehouse College (Atlanta, GA): “Morehouse College has been a school dedicated to providing knowledge, skills, and experience to students of all economic backgrounds. From our inception, we have focused on uplifting students to become leaders who serve their communities. We are proud to be recognized for our commitment and enabling our students to pursue rewarding professional lives after graduation.” – Dr. Kendrick Brown, Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs, Morehouse College 

3. St. Thomas University (Miami Gardens, FL): “St. Thomas University’s newest Carnegie Classification underscores two of our core values: expanding access to higher education and equipping graduates for high-earning careers. According to the Florida Department of Education, recent STU undergraduate alumni earn an average annual salary of more than $73,000. This is the highest among Florida’s Independent Colleges and Universities, and above the average for graduates of the State University System.” – David A. Armstrong, J.D., President of St. Thomas University 

4. Arkansas Tech University (Russellville, AR): “Achieving Carnegie Opportunity University status is representative of our mission at Arkansas Tech. Students come to ATU seeking a better life through higher education, and we deliver that with high-quality and relevant programs, dedicated faculty and staff and a commitment to providing a learning environment that develops the whole student.” – Dr. Russell Jones, President of Arkansas Tech University  

5. Cal State San Marcos (San Marcos, CA) “At Cal State San Marcos, social mobility isn’t just a goal—it’s our mission in action. To be named an Opportunity College and University by the Carnegie Classifications is a powerful affirmation of the work we do every day to ensure that our students, many of whom are the first in their families to attend college, graduate with the tools, support and opportunities to thrive in their careers and communities.” – Ellen Neufeldt, President of Cal State San Marcos 

6. Nova Southeastern University (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) “Our mission is rooted in expanding access, driving innovation, and preparing our students for purposeful careers, particularly through the pursuit of professional and terminal degrees. This recognition is a powerful affirmation of our commitment to our students, and we are proud to be a national leader in both student access and student career success.” – Harry Moon, M.D., President and CEO of Nova Southeastern University 

7. Design Institute of San Diego (San Diego, CA) “It is a great honor to be included among the 479 institutions that serve as models for studying how campuses can foster student success. We are pleased that the Carnegie Foundation and ACE have worked together to identify and recognize institutions that not only strive but also succeed in supporting student success. Design Institute staff and faculty have always provided individualized student support, and this recognition confirms the results of that commitment.” – Margot Doucette, President of the Design Institute of San Diego 

8. Albion College (Albion, MI): “At Albion College, our mission has always been to open doors of opportunity and equip our students to not only navigate the world but to shape it. Being recognized as both an Opportunity College and a Higher Earnings institution affirms the value of an Albion education and the life-changing impact of our commitment to experiential learning and personalized student mentorship and support. We’re proud to provide every Briton—regardless of background—with the tools to excel academically, graduate with confidence, and embark on meaningful, purpose-driven careers.” – Wayne Webster, President of Albion College 

9. Ball State University (Muncie, IN) “We are grateful to be recognized by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the American Council on Education. This designation is a meaningful affirmation of our commitment to student success and the real-world impact of a Ball State education. It also reinforces our mission of empowering our graduates to have fulfilling careers and meaningful lives enriched by lifelong learning and service.” – Dr. Anand R. Marri, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, Ball State University 

10. Western Illinois University (Macomb, IL) “Social mobility has long been a part of our DNA at Western. Our University vision is to be the leader in educational quality, opportunity and affordability. Our recognition by the Carnegie Foundation is a reflection of our commitment to our vision” – Kristi Mindrup, President of Western Illinois University  

11. Stony Brook University (Stony Brook, NY) “Stony Brook is one of the nation’s leading research universities, with a growing and highly diverse student body that includes many who are the first in their families to attend college. This Carnegie Classifications recognition is a testament to Stony Brook’s commitment to providing an exceptional education that is accessible to students from all backgrounds. Our students graduate and we are among the top universities in propelling their affluence and opportunity.” – Richard L. McCormick, Interim President of Stony Brook University  

12. Ferris State University (Big Rapids, MI) “We are one of very few institutions in this country that a third party has come in the door and said, ‘Well done. Your institution is preparing students to go into well-paying jobs and career paths. We talk about how we build champions here, in sports, and in the classroom. This recognition validates that point. Our graduates take the quality education Ferris State provides and do amazing things in our state.” – Dr. Bill Pink, President of Ferris State University 

13. Western Governors University (Salt Lake City, UT) “The new Carnegie Classification affirms WGU’s work to expand the role of higher education as a driver of economic mobility and personal growth. At a time when students and employers alike are demanding greater relevance and value, WGU is delivering. Our competency-based, tech-enabled model empowers students to gain in-demand skills, earn credentials, and advance their careers—without putting their lives on hold or leaving their communities. This recognition reinforces what we strive for every day: transforming lives at scale, strengthening communities, and powering the workforce of tomorrow.” – Scott Pulsipher, President of Western Governors University 

14. New Mexico Military Institute (Roswell, NM): “As a designated Opportunity College and University, NMMI proudly embraces its mission to expand access and foster upward mobility for students from all backgrounds. This recognition aligns directly with our commitment to preparing cadets—many of whom are first-generation college students—for success in higher education and beyond through structured support, academic rigor, and leadership training.” – Col. Orlando Griego, PhD, Chief Academic Officer/Dean of Academics at the New Mexico Military Institute 

15. Mercy College of Health Sciences (Des Moines, IA) “We are honored to be recognized as an Opportunity College. Many of our students are Pell-eligible and come from historically underrepresented communities. Guided by our Catholic heritage and the values of the Sisters of Mercy, Mercy College prepares graduates through a rigorous health sciences education designed to meet the evolving needs of the healthcare workforce.” – Dr. Adreain Henry, OD, EdD, MBA, President of Mercy College of Health Sciences 

16. Otis College of Art and Design (Los Angeles, CA): “We are proud to be one of a select few art and design colleges in the U.S. to be an Opportunity College for Higher Earnings and Access. Carnegie’s findings illustrate Otis College’s commitment to student success even after graduation. At Otis, preparing students to thrive in creative careers is core to who we are. And we succeed, as 96% of our recent graduates are employed within a year of receiving their degree. We look forward to supporting future creatives and helping them achieve upward mobility.” – Charles Hirschhorn, president of Otis College