NE North Dakota News

The University of North Dakota (UND) has been classified as a Carnegie R1 institution, marking its entry into the top tier of research universities in the United States. The Carnegie Foundation, which classifies universities based on research activity, informed UND officials that the university meets all criteria for this prestigious designation.

Carnegie R1 status is awarded to institutions with "very high research activity," requiring annual research expenditures over $50 million and at least 70 research doctorates awarded each year. UND surpasses these benchmarks significantly.

An official announcement is expected in late April when the Carnegie Foundation and the American Council on Education publish their 2025 Institutional Classification. This will be UND's first inclusion as a Carnegie R1 institution.

With this designation, UND joins a group of 187 universities, including renowned institutions like Harvard, Yale, and Stanford, along with regional peers such as the universities of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Nebraska.

UND President Andy Armacost expressed pride in achieving this status: “We are thrilled to receive the coveted Carnegie R1 designation.” He added that it reflects UND's commitment to research and acknowledges efforts by faculty, students, staff, and support from North Dakota's leaders.

Scott Snyder, vice president of Research & Economic Development at UND, highlighted the university's growing research profile. He noted that fiscal year 2023 saw $182 million in research expenditures — an increase of over $70 million from three years prior. Snyder stated that this growth contributed to achieving R1 status: “This is a very exciting recognition of the amazing work done by researchers across UND.”

Provost Eric Link emphasized that this classification will enhance scholarship benefiting both the university and state: “Receiving the R1 classification from Carnegie is a testament to the great work going on at the University of North Dakota,” he said.