Last month, the Carnegie Classification of Institutes of Higher Education was updated. 

The Carnegie Classification is a framework for ranking universities based on their research activity, and the most coveted designations are “R1” and “R2.” — R1 signifies universities with “very high research activity,” The R2 classification is for institutions with “high research activity.”

The 2021 Carnegie Classification assessed over 3,000 post-secondary institutions in the new update. Of this number, precisely 100 were HBCUs. Sadly, two of these HBCUs—Hampton, Delaware State—lost their R2 designations in this new update. However, ten of the HBCUs either newly achieved or maintained R2 status. To acknowledge this great news, here’s a list of ten HBCUs that the Carnegie Classification designated as R2 institutions:

1. Prairie View A&M University

This Texas-based university is one of the two new additions to the list of R2 HBCUs. As such, the Carnegie Classification has essentially recognized Prairie View A&M University as a valuable asset to the academic community for its noteworthy research output, and PVAMU students, alumni, and staff should be proud of this HBCU’s new R2 status.

 

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2. Southern University and A&M College

Southern University and A&M College is the second new HBCU to join the R2 club. Founded in 1880, Southern University has been serving Louisiana-based students for quite some time now. Its brand-new R2 status proves that this institution is finally getting the recognition it deserves.

 

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3. University of Maryland Eastern Shore

Situated on the Delmarva Peninsula, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) has always been a prime choice for an East Coast university. —Its R2 designation only adds to its allure. Like many other universities listed, UMES has held its R2 status since 2018, and it has maintained this commendable distinction.

4. Tennessee State University

Tennessee State University (TSU) kept its R2 designation in the latest Carnegie Classification update, further proving that this Nashville HBCU is working its way to becoming a household name. Notably, this news comes around the same time TSU’s marching band performed in the annual Rose Bowl Parade.

5. North Carolina A&T University

This powerhouse HBCU—located in Greensboro, North Carolina—makes the Aggie community proud by maintaining its R2 designation. North Carolina A&T University is continuing to exemplify that it’s a top-tier university that can reasonably compete with some of the state’s other high-profile institutions.

6. Morgan State University

Morgan State University (MSU) is a Baltimore-based institution, and it has the reputation of being one of Maryland’s two R2 HBCUs. By holding onto this classification, MSU is making a name for itself and truly standing out among the other universities Maryland students can choose from.

7. Florida A&M University

Since 2018, this Tallahassee HBCU has been an R2 university, and it doesn’t plan on losing its designation anytime soon. Florida A&M University (FAMU) is already known as a noteworthy and poppin’ institution. Being recognized for its “high research activity” distinction shows that FAMU has a lot to offer its students.

 

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8. Clark Atlanta University

Many may not be surprised to see Clark Atlanta University (CAU) on this list, as it’s solidified its spot as a noteworthy HBCU and Georgia-based institution. CAU continues to be a leading force in educating young Black minds, and its status as an R2 university shows that this HBCU is a force to be reckoned with.

 

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9. Jackson State University

Mississippi’s capital city is home to a long-standing R2 HBCU, as Jackson State University (JSU) has held onto this prestigious designation for over two decades now. While JSU has recently gained renewed attention thanks to its powerhouse football program, it has been on the Carnegie Classification’s radar for quite some time now.

10. Howard University

Howard University—one of the most well-known HBCUs—has been an R2 university since 2005, though it was designated as an R1 institution as recently as the 2000 Carnegie Classification update. However, attaining and maintaining R2 status is a commendable feat itself, and this university consistently being on the “high research activity” list marks its place as a top-tier HBCU.  

 

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11. Texas Southern University

One of the 11 HBCUs having the coveted R2 accreditation is Texas Southern. The Carnegie Foundation first recognized TSU in 2018 and reaffirmed its R2 status as one of the top research and teaching universities in the country during the most recent cycle of evaluation and assessment.

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Congratulations to these illustrious, R2-designated HBCUs!

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