AcademicEmerging IndicatorOct 23, 2026
Two additional HBCUs move toward R1 research classification
Rising doctoral output and research spending place more HBCUs on the path to Carnegie R1 status.
Classification WatchAmerican Council on Education — Carnegie Classifications
01 · What happened
Rising doctoral output and research spending place more HBCUs on the path to Carnegie R1 status.
02 · Why it matters
Howard University and Morgan State reached R1 in the 2025 cycle; R1 status strengthens federal grant competitiveness and faculty recruitment.
03 · Actionable implication
Researchers and funders: early-stage collaboration with R2 HBCUs now captures value before the R1 premium.