U of A Again Classified as 'Very High Research Activity' University

 The U of A has once again received the highest classification of research activity from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, earning the desigination of “Research 1” — Doctoral University: Very High Research Activity.

The foundation released its 2021 update to the classifications in January 2022. The U of A has been classified as an institution with "very high research activity" since 2011.

“Congratulations go to everyone at the University of Arkansas who has worked so diligently to make this achievement possible,” said Charles Robinson, interim chancellor. “As a land-grant, flagship university, our commitment to innovation and discovery enriches our students and the state of Arkansas and beyond every day.”

The classification is based on a range of quantitative data related to the number and nature of doctoral degrees awarded annually, the amount of research grants and activity occurring, and other measures of scholarly productivity. Out of 3,938 public and private universities classified by the Carnegie Foundation, only 3.7 percent (146 institutions) are classified with “Very High Research Activity.”

“Our Research 1 classification speaks to the outstanding work of our faculty and staff in driving the university’s research mission,” said John English, vice chancellor for research and innovation. “I look forward to building on our continued success, advancing research expenditures and collaborating on future research projects within the University of Arkansas, with other universities and with sister institutions such as UAMS, UAPB and others.”

The Carnegie Classification is the leading framework for recognizing and describing institutional diversity in U.S. higher education. The Carnegie classifications are widely accepted as the standard categorization of accredited U.S. universities and colleges.

About the University of Arkansas: The University of Arkansas provides an internationally competitive education for undergraduate and graduate students in more than 200 academic programs. The university contributes new knowledge, economic development, basic and applied research, and creative activity while also providing service to academic and professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the University of Arkansas among fewer than 4% of colleges and universities in America that have the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among its top American public research universities. Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas comprises 10 colleges and schools and maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio that promotes personal attention and close mentoring.