Bend, OR – Oregon’s higher education landscape is making waves, as eight of the state’s institutions have been recognized among the top research universities in the United States, according to the latest review by the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation. This update, part of the well-regarded Carnegie Classifications, identifies schools based on their research output and serves as an important indicator of academic prestige.
The Carnegie Classifications categorize universities into several tiers, with “Research 1” (R1) and “Research 2” (R2) designations reserved for those institutions that demonstrate the highest levels of research activity. In the most recent update, Oregon State University (OSU) and the University of Oregon (UO) retained their R1 status, placing them among the nation’s top research universities. R1 institutions must spend at least $70 million annually on research and confer a minimum of 70 research doctorates per year. OSU’s research expenditures for 2024 totaled an impressive $422 million, while UO reported $116 million in research spending for the same period.
In addition to OSU and UO, Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) has advanced to the R2 category. The R2 designation recognizes institutions that spend a minimum of $5 million on research and award at least 20 research doctorates annually. OHSU now joins Portland State University, which was also placed in the R2 category.
The importance of these designations extends beyond academic prestige. According to experts, R1 and R2 statuses can significantly impact an institution’s ability to attract federal research funding, including grants from agencies like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Science Foundation (NSF). These funds are crucial to sustaining and expanding research efforts, especially amid growing uncertainty about federal research funding due to recent policy changes at the federal level.
The Carnegie update also introduced a new classification to highlight smaller schools making notable contributions to research. This year, Lewis & Clark College, Reed College, Pacific University, and the Oregon Institute of Technology (OIT) were all recognized as “Research Colleges and Universities.” To earn this designation, institutions must have at least $2.5 million in research expenditures annually.
For smaller institutions like these, the recognition is a testament to the growing importance of research at liberal arts colleges and smaller universities. Julia Unangst, assistant vice president for sponsored projects and research compliance at Lewis & Clark College, emphasized the value of such research in advancing both scientific knowledge and local economic growth. “Not only does [our research] contribute to social and scientific advancements while giving undergraduate students hands-on research experiences and professional development, but it also benefits our local economy by bringing federal and philanthropic dollars to the State of Oregon,” Unangst said.
Similarly, Reed College President Audrey Bilger hailed the new classification as a more accurate reflection of the rigorous research taking place at the private institution. “This designation better reflects the accomplishments of our faculty, students, and staff in advancing knowledge, innovation, and discovery,” she said. Reed College’s research spending topped $6 million in 2023.
OIT, a public university, also celebrated its place in this new category. “Oregon Tech is proud to receive this designation for the first time,” said Vice President of University Advancement Ken Fincher. “It shows the ongoing progress we are making toward offering our students and faculty opportunities for applied research and hands-on training.”
Pacific University also weighed in on the importance of research in shaping the educational experience for its students. President Jenny Coyle emphasized the value of research in preparing students for their future careers while also making meaningful contributions to their communities. In 2023, Pacific devoted more than $10 million to research and development.
As the landscape of higher education continues to evolve, Oregon’s universities are at the forefront of driving innovation and research. The new Carnegie Classifications highlight the diverse range of institutions in the state, underscoring their significant contributions to advancing knowledge and fostering economic development. With a robust research foundation in place, Oregon’s institutions are poised to continue shaping the future of higher education.
