27-02-2025
UTEP earns ‘R1' status again in latest Carnegie Classification of Institutions
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) has once again earned the highest research classification under the new Carnegie classification criteria, according to the university on Wednesday, Feb. 26.
UTEP has earned an 'R1' which stands for 'Research 1: Very high spending and doctorate production,' according to the new methodology established by the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.
'This reaffirmation of our 'R1' status validates UTEP's commitment to conducting research that addresses critical challenges facing our society,' UTEP President Heather Wilson said. 'What makes our achievement particularly remarkable is that we've maintained our open-access mission while building research excellence, remaining the only 'R1' university in the United States with a 100 percent undergraduate admission rate.'
UTEP first reached the R1 classification in December 2018, the university said.
According to the new Carnegie criteria, R1 universities are required to spend an average of $50 million on research and development annually and award 70 or more research doctorates.
UTEP said it has spent an average of $146 million in annual research expenditures across fields including aerospace, health, cybersecurity, water, border issues and more.
In addition, UTEP is among 187 R1 universities out of roughly 4,000 accredited degree-granting institutions nationwide, placing in the top 5 percent for research productivity.
'Our research portfolio spans multiple critical areas, creating unique opportunities for our students while delivering meaningful impact to our community and beyond,' Ahmad M. Itani, Ph.D., vice president for research at UTEP, said. 'As one of Texas' 16 R1 institutions — more than any other state — we're proud to contribute to our state's leadership in research and innovation.'
According to the university, UTEP is also one of 19 Hispanic-serving institutions to achieve the classification.
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