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The Carnegie Classification system, a key framework for categorizing higher education institutions in the United States, has introduced a groundbreaking redesign that redefines the classification and evaluation of colleges and universities.
In an announcement made by the American Council on Education (ACE) and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, two major changes were revealed: the introduction of a revised “Institutional Classification” that replaces the previous Basic Classification and a new “Student Access and Earnings Classification” system aimed at assessing how well institutions create opportunities for their students.
This revision marks the most significant update to the Carnegie Classifications since their establishment in 1973. The new approach shifts from a primarily degree-based classification to a multifaceted strategy that considers aspects such as institution size, types of degrees offered, and areas of focus.
“Our aim with this redesign is to measure what is truly important,” stated Mushtaq Gunja, executive director of the Carnegie Classification systems and senior vice president at ACE. “Today’s institutions cannot merely be classified by the highest degree they confer; they serve a diverse student population in various meaningful ways.”
The newly introduced Student Access and Earnings Classification examines how well colleges and universities enroll local students and whether their graduates achieve competitive salaries post-graduation. This emphasis on student outcomes highlights the increasing concerns surrounding the return on investment of higher education, particularly in the face of rising tuition costs and growing student debt.
“Most students pursue a college education with the expectation that it will lead them toward their dream job and better opportunities,” remarked Timothy Knowles, president of the Carnegie Foundation. “Our goal is to ensure that institutions are appropriately recognized for their efforts in enabling students to achieve their aspirations.”
Among the key features of the redesign is a new designation: “Opportunity Colleges and Universities.” This title has been awarded to 479 institutions that excel in providing access and fostering economic mobility. These designated schools will serve as benchmarks for effective strategies in promoting student success.
“Being recognized as an Opportunity University is a testament to our unwavering belief at Holy Family that education has the power to transform lives,” emphasized Dr. Anne Prisco, president of Holy Family University in Philadelphia. “We are dedicated to creating opportunities for our students and their families, and we take pride in watching them flourish.”
Experts in the field of higher education note that this redesign arrives at a crucial moment, coinciding with increasing scrutiny from policymakers, families, and students regarding educational outcomes.
The methodology of the new classification system takes into account geographic context, enabling comparisons among institutions with similar characteristics instead of applying uniform metrics. This nuanced approach acknowledges the diverse missions and student demographics found across urban, suburban, and rural institutions.
“Across the nation, numerous institutions are providing students with fantastic opportunities to leverage higher education as a catalyst for a better future,” stated Dr. Ted Mitchell, president of ACE. “The Student Access and Earnings Classification showcases the various schools where students’ success is prioritized.”
This comprehensive redesign follows a three-year process of consultation with diverse stakeholders in higher education, including economists and experts. The process involved countless discussions focused on refining methodologies to ensure they cater to the varied landscape of American higher education.
For institutions that serve historically underrepresented populations, such as Minority Serving Institutions, these changes may provide new avenues to demonstrate their significance beyond traditional measures that have often favored more affluent, selective schools.
The Carnegie Classifications carry considerable weight in higher education, influencing everything from institutional marketing strategies to eligibility for federal funding. While the precise implications of these new classifications for institutional behavior and student choices are yet to be determined, they signify a notable shift toward evaluating colleges and universities based on their capacity to generate economic opportunities for the communities they serve.
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www.higheredjobs.com