The Carnegie Classification is a widely used framework that categorizes colleges and universities based on their size, impact, and research activity. It helps policymakers, researchers, and institutions better understand and support research efforts across higher education.
“This designation reflects Cal Poly Humboldt’s deep commitment to fostering a research-driven educational experience for our students and faculty,” says Kacie Flynn, Associate Vice President for Research at Humboldt. “It acknowledges the incredible work happening across all disciplines and reinforces our role as a hub for innovation, hands-on learning, and meaningful research and creative projects that impacts our North Coast community and beyond.”
Humboldt joins 11 other California State University (CSU) campuses in receiving the RCU classification, which was announced last week by the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.
The RCU classification was introduced in 2024 to recognize institutions that engage in significant research activity but do not typically offer doctoral degrees. To qualify, universities must spend at least $2.5 million annually on research. This new category provides a distinction between research-focused institutions like Humboldt and the traditional R1 and R2 classifications, which require higher research expenditures and doctoral degree production.
The Carnegie Classification was first published in 1973 and is updated every three years by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education.
Other CSUs in the RSU category include CSU Bakersfield, CSU Channel Islands, Chico State, CSU Dominguez Hills, Cal State East Bay, Cal State Monterey Bay, CSU Northridge, Cal State San Bernardino, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Cal State San Marcos, and Sonoma State.
“Congratulations to all of the CSU institutions recognized by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education,” said CSU Chancellor Mildred García in a press release from the Chancellor’s Office. “These classifications underscore the CSU’s commitment to engaging our undergraduate students in applied research that lifts communities and addresses our state’s most pressing challenges across fields of study – and they wonderfully reflect the CSU’s mission and core values.”