The Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education® is a national framework that groups colleges and universities based on mission, degree offerings, and research activity. In 2025, the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the American Council on Education released an updated classification system that expands how institutions are categorized.
The updated framework uses multiple factors, including degree levels, academic programs, and institutional size, to provide a more complete view of institutional type.
Research Activity Designations (2025)
In February 2025, updated research designations were released.
- The University of Maryland, Baltimore is designated as Research 1: Very High Research Spending and Doctorate Production
- Other Maryland R1 institutions include
- The Johns Hopkins University,
- University of Maryland, College Park, and
- University of Maryland, Baltimore County
- Morgan State University is designated as Research 2: High Research Spending and Doctorate Production
Institutional Classification (2025)
In April 2025, the University of Maryland, Baltimore was classified as a Special Focus: Medical Schools and Centers. This reflects institutions whose academic activity is concentrated in a specific field.
2021 Carnegie Classifications for UMB (Previous Release)
| Classification Area | Category |
|---|---|
| Basic Classification | Special Focus Four-Year: Research Institution |
| Undergraduate Instructional Program | Professions Focus, some graduate coexistence |
| Graduate Instructional Program | Research Doctoral: STEM-dominant |
| Enrollment Profile | Majority graduate |
| Undergraduate Profile | Four-year, full-time, inclusive, higher transfer-in |
| Size and Setting | Four-year, medium, primarily residential |
Resources
- Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching
- Carnegie Classification Profile for University of Maryland, Baltimore
- Research Ranking of Special Focus Research Institutions
Updated April 24, 2025