Howard University in Washington, D.C., has received the Research One (R1) Carnegie Classification from the American Council of Education, becoming the only historically Black college or university to achieve the prestigious R1 status.
Universities that are designated as R1 institutions are eligible to receive major federal and private grants, opening the door for expansive research endeavors, which in turn could attract high-quality faculty members and students. To be conferred the R1 Classification, an institution must average at least $50 million in annual research and development expenditures and produce at least 70 research doctoral graduates annually. During fiscal year 2023, Howard University spent nearly $85 million on research initiatives and awarded 96 doctorates.
“Howard University’s achievement of R1 status demonstrates our research capacity and reaffirms our deep commitment to tackling society’s most pressing questions through cutting-edge scholarship and technological innovation,” said Howard University President Ben Vinson III. “As a leader in the evolution of next generation HBCUs, we are dedicated to ensuring that the benefits of discovery and progress reach all communities, including those historically overlooked and underrepresented. Through pioneering solutions and the strategic use of emerging technologies, we are shaping a future where knowledge drives inclusive prosperity and lasting impact.”
North Carolina A&T State University, the country’s largest HBCU, narrowly missed achieving the R1 Carnegie Classification. While the university did meet the minimum research expenditure requirement, the institution’s doctoral graduates fell short at an average of 67 doctorates awarded annually between the 2021 to 2023 fiscal years.
NCA&T will have the opportunity to receive an R1 designation during the next Carnegie review cycle in 2028.
