In 2022, the American Council of Education took leadership of the Carnegie Classifications, and in Spring 2025, they released new classifications built on an updated framework. There are now three classifications: Institutional Classification, Student Access and Earnings Classification (Opportunity), and Research Designation Classification. The segmentation into three classifications is meant to de-emphasize selectivity and research productivity in favor of student access and earnings.
- One-quarter of CIC members fall into the “Higher Earnings” category.
- Almost three-quarters of CIC members fall into the “Medium Earnings” category.
- Almost two-thirds of CIC members fall into the “Higher Access” category.
- Forty-six CIC members now have a “Research” designation.
Implications for CIC Member Institutions
Institutional Classification: Institutions should examine the CIP Codes used in IPEDS Completions and compare them to the ACE Carnegie 2025 CIP Code that shows which CIP codes are counted in each “Academic Program Mix” category.
Access and Earnings: Grounded in data that is weighted by the state of residence for first time students, institutions wishing to shift into the “opportunity” classification will need to increase enrollment of underrepresented students. New students will need to ultimately have earnings that are higher than expected.
Read more on the Carnegie Classifications page on the CIC website.