American University now meets the qualification for and is classified as R1 status, the highest designation for research universities, University President Jonathan Alger announced in an email Thursday morning.
The Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education recognizes and describes institutional diversity in the U.S. It also classifies colleges and universities by research and policy analysis. R1 status denotes a university with “very high research activity,” reserved for institutions that spend at least $50 million annually on research and award at least 70 doctorates annually, according to the Carnegie Classification’s website.
In 2025, the Institutional Classification updated its framework to be “more multidimensional” and better reflect the “breadth and diversity of colleges and universities today.” AU was previously classified as having high research activity, categorizing the University under R2 status. Under the new requirements, the University joins a list of 187 institutions meeting R1 status in 2025.
This new classification places the University among top-tier research institutions, ultimately boosting its reputation and creating opportunities for students and faculty, Alger said.
“It recognizes our growth and accomplishments in research and scholarship while we continue our deep focus on excellent teaching, experiential education, and student success,” Alger said in his email.
Alger said this designation would allow the University to strengthen research capacity, attract and retain distinguished professors and expand student access to research opportunities. He also attributed the accomplishment to “the culmination of years of dedicated and inspired scholarship by our faculty and AU leadership prioritizing research across the university.”
AU is home to numerous externally-sponsored research endeavors: RECIPES is a $15 million National Science Foundation-funded project studying food waste and connecting 40 researchers and 15 institutions. The Center for Media and Social Impact, the Translating Research into Action Center and the Polarization and Extremism Research and Innovation Lab all conduct an array of research on campus available to students and faculty.
In response to President Donald Trump’s executive orders potentially affecting government-funded research, Alger assured students the University would continue to fulfill its commitment to research and inquiry.
“R1 status is a testament to our faculty, staff, and students who produce groundbreaking ideas and translate their research into action through inclusive, interdisciplinary work,” Alger said in his email.
This article was edited by Owen Auston-Babcock, Tyler Davis and Abigail Turner. Copy editing done by Luna Jinks.
