In a testament to Temple University’s dual commitment to research and student success, the university is now counted among just 21 colleges or universities nationwide to receive a top designation in both categories in the updated 2025 release of the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. 

“It is incredibly rewarding to see Temple University recognized as leader in both of these critical areas: advancing science and discovery and prioritizing student access and success,” said Temple President John Fry. “It truly reflects who we are and what we stand for.” 

Since its inception in 1973, the Carnegie Classification has served as the leading framework for categorizing U.S. higher education. On April 24, 2025, the Carnegie Foundation and the American Council on Education announced a fully redesigned system as part of an ongoing effort to make the framework more useful, relevant and reflective of the evolving landscape of higher education in the U.S. 

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 According to the newly released model, institutions receive three designations: Institutional Classification, Student Access and Earnings Classification, and Research Classification.   

• The Institutional Classification organizes colleges and universities according to award level, academic program mix and size.  

Temple’s classification is the highest possible: Professions-focused Undergraduate/Graduate-Doctorate Large. 

• The Student Access and Earnings Classification examines the extent to which institutions are serving students using two measures: access and earnings.  

Temple’s designation is the highest possible: Opportunity Colleges and Universities (OCU)– Higher Access, Higher Earnings. Read more about Temple’s OCU designation. 

• The Research Classification considers an institution’s total research spending and number of doctoral degrees awarded. 

Temple’s designation is the highest possible: Research 1 (R1): Very High Research Spending and Doctorate Production. 

Currently, 479 institutions have earned recognition as OCUs for their work providing both access to students in the communities they serve and a path to competitive earnings. Institutions in this group are considered models for how campuses can foster student success.  

Additionally, 187 universities received the highest designation (R1) for research activity. Those in this group meet clear thresholds set at $50 million in total research and development spending and 70 doctoral research degrees, using the higher of either a three-year rolling average or most recent year data.  

Only 21 institutions nationwide earned both Research 1 (R1) and Opportunity College & University (OCU) designations in the new 2025 Carnegie Classifications.  

And Temple is one of them. 

The ranking comes at a time when Temple has received increased attention for its work in student support. In March 2025, the university was selected to join the prestigious University Innovation Alliance (UIA)—a coalition of 18 public research universities committed to increasing student success and reducing equity gaps in higher education. Temple is one of just four UIA universities in the select group of 21 rated as R1 and OCU.