UNC Charlotte and East Carolina University both announced Thursday they have achieved Research 1 status from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.
The prestigious “R1” classification indicates “very high research activity” for both universities. They join UNC Chapel Hill, NC State University and Duke University as the only universities in North Carolina in this category. It is the highest recognition that a doctoral university can receive.
“Achieving R1 status reflects our commitment to establish Charlotte as a top-tier research institution,” says UNC Charlotte Chancellor Sharon Gaber.
Philip Rogers, her peer at ECU, said the “designation as an R1 institution is a testament to the incredible dedication and hard work of our faculty, staff and students. Our university’s success in research is a direct reflection of our mission — advancing student success, public service and regional transformation. This milestone will open doors to more opportunities for collaboration, discovery and academic excellence.”
The designation should increase grants for research at both universities, which may spur economic growth. Including changes announced today, 187 postsecondary institutions in the United States are classified by Carnegie as top-tier doctoral research universities. Another 139 are rated R2, reflecting at least $5 million in research spending and at least 20 research doctorates granted annually.
Institutions with R1 designation offer extensive doctoral programs, attract leading faculty and draw significant public and private funding. Criteria for R1 status include spending of at least $50 million on research and development, and awarding at least 70 research doctorates per year.
In 2023, ECU invested $67.1 million in research expenditures, with a four-year total
surpassing $326.7 million. The university also allocated $8.9 million to graduate student research funding in 2024.
UNC Charlotte had research expenditures for fiscal year 2023 totaling $92 million and awards an average of 160 doctoral degrees each year.
The Carnegie Classification was developed by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching in 1970 as a way to distinguish institutions for educational and research purposes; classifications are updated and released every three years. It is managed by the American Council on Education.
In North Carolina, Duke University, NC State University and UNC Chapel Hill have been R1 universities for decades.