Oregon is now home to eight colleges and universities ranked among the top research institutions in the U.S.

The American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation have released an updated review of higher education’s research landscape. The review, commonly known as Carnegie Classifications, identifies institutions with the largest output of research based on certain criteria.

Schools with the strongest research foundations have been deemed “Research 1” or “R1” universities followed by “Research 2” or “R2.”

Although the classification system is merely a way to organize the more than 4,000 institutions in the nation, the designations are considered a sign of prestige — leading higher education leaders to prioritize obtaining a research status. An R1 or R2 can have a big financial impact on institutions. Universities and colleges have leveraged the designation during grant-making processes and in funding proposals to state legislatures.

In this year’s update, both Oregon State University and the University of Oregon maintained their R1 status. Schools in this category spend at least $70 million on research and award at least 70 research doctorates per year. OSU spent $422 million on research last year, according to the university’s 2024 annual research and innovation report. UO research expenditures in 2024 topped out at $116 million.

Oregon Health and Science University moved into the R2 category, joining Portland State University. R2 schools spend at least $5 million on research and award at least 20 research doctorates annually.

The research designations come during a time of extreme uncertainty among university and college researchers across the country. Over the past month, several Trump Administration directives have threatened federal research grants worth millions of dollars that flow to higher education institutions, including money from the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation.

The classification system also introduced a new research category this year that aims to highlight smaller institutions that have previously not had research designations.

Lewis & Clark College, Reed College, Pacific University and the Oregon Institute of Technology all made the list for the first time as “Research Colleges and Universities.” These schools have at least $2.5 million in research expenditures a year.

Julia Unangst, Lewis & Clark’s assistant vice president for sponsored projects and research compliance, said the new designation highlights the robust work of researchers and students at smaller schools.

“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,” said Unangst.

Leaders at Reed College say the updated classifications are a better representation of the type of research occurring at private, liberal arts institutions.

“This designation better reflects the accomplishments of our faculty, students, and staff in advancing knowledge, innovation, and discovery,” said Reed College President Audrey Bilger in a press release. “We are happy to see this updated approach accurately noting the rigorous research being conducted on our campus that, alongside our excellence in teaching, will help address the challenges of tomorrow.”

Reed spent more than $6 million on research in 2023.

OIT was Oregon’s only public university recognized in the new category for smaller institutions.

“Oregon Tech is proud to receive this designation for the first time,” said OIT Vice President of University of Advancement Ken Fincher in a statement. “It shows the ongoing progress we are making toward offering our students and faculty opportunities for applied research and hands-on training.”

Pacific University President Jenny Coyle said research is essential to the educational experience at her school. More than $10 million was devoted to research and development at Pacific in 2023.

“Research opportunities give undergraduate and graduate students the chance to meaningfully apply what they are learning in a hands-on environment, to prepare for their careers, and to make a tangible impact on their communities,” said Coyle in a press release. “Research allows students to pursue their purpose and uplift the health, education, and knowledge of all of our communities.”

News Source : https://www.opb.org/article/2025/02/18/oregon-colleges-and-universities-among-beneficiaries-of-new-research-designation-for-smaller-institutions/