Illinois State University earns national recognition for advancing science and creativity, student access and earnings
Illinois State University recently was named one of only 27 institutions nationwide to earn both Research 2 (R2) and Opportunity Colleges and Universities (OCU) designation in the newly released influential models by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, which recognizes campuses that foster student success and research. The University was one of only five in the Midwest to receive both recognitions.
“The designations recognize Illinois State’s ability to deliver significant returns on investment for our diverse student community,” said Dr. Ani Yazedjian, vice president for Academic Affairs and provost. “Additionally, our faculty put into action our institutional commitment to individualized attention by engaging students – from baccalaureate to doctoral candidates – in an amazing array of research and creative activities across academic disciplines.”
Opportunity Colleges and Universities (OCU)
The new OCU designation names Illinois State as one of 479 institutions recognized for Higher Student Access and Earnings. Student access is measured by enrollment of Pell Grant recipients and students from underrepresented racial/ethnic groups compared to a similar population in their area. Earnings look at costs and outcomes for undergraduate students 8 years post-enrollment compared to a similar population in their area with a high school diploma or higher credential. The median earnings of Illinois State graduates were $57,276, nearly $20,000 more than comparison earnings.
In an email congratulating the University for advancing science and discovery, and prioritizing student access and success, leaders for Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching American Council on Education recognized that “Illinois State University is rare in so clearly advancing both opportunity and innovation.”
Innovation is recognized through Carnegie’s Research Activity designation, which reaffirmed Illinois State’s status as an R2 institution. The University is one of 139 High Spending and Doctorate Production listings. The classifications are determined every three years and utilized 2022-2023 data to show Illinois State graduated 49 doctoral students and spent nearly $33 million on research.
The 2024-2025 academic year saw many student and faculty achievements illustrating the value of research-focused engagement on campus. More than 400 students from 32 departments participated in the 34th Annual University Research Symposium. Two students were also named winners of Goldwater Scholarships, marking the fourth consecutive year a Redbird has received this honor. Other examples of recognition and collaboration with business and government, include:
- Inside look at the recipients of the inaugural Advancing Research and Creative Scholarship program awards – News – Illinois State
- 14 scientists at Illinois State University recognized on global list of highly cited researchers – News – Illinois State
- John Sedbrook named 2024 IIN Innovator to Know – News – Illinois State
- Redbirds push for student research funding on Capitol Hill – News – Illinois State
- Life-saving app: Illinois State and OSF HealthCare are addressing the opioid epidemic with an unconventional tool – News – Illinois State
- Student researchers aim to make STEM education more inclusive – News – Illinois State
- Illinois State, State Farm are developing a virtual reality driving platform
- Undergrads research cybersecurity, sport horses through ISU’s FIREbird program – News – Illinois State
- Illinois DCFS selects Illinois State as partner for Central Illinois regional simulation training hub – News – Illinois State
“Illinois State is participating in many high impact research projects and creative scholarship across a variety of disciplines, funded by federal and state agencies, as well as foundations and corporations,” said Dr. Craig McLauchlan, associate vice president for Research and Graduate Studies. “Many of these projects involve undergraduate and graduate students in implementation, analysis, and dissemination. While the expenditure data and graduation statistics of one academic year may not tell the whole story of the impact of the research on our campus, the continued R2 designation is a point of pride and helps bring our mission, vision, and values to life.”
The R2 classification positions Illinois State as a “High Research Spending and Doctorate Production” institution, meaning on average in a single year, the University spends between $5 million and $50 million on research and development and awards between 20 and 70 research doctorates. The next Carnegie Classifications release is expected in 2028.
For more information on how Carnegie Research Activity Designations are evaluated, visit https://carnegieclassifications.acenet.edu/carnegie-classification/classification-methodology/2025-research-activity-designations/
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