FAMU has been designated as an “Opportunity College and University” by the Carnegie Classifications, recognized as an institution that serves as a model for studying how campuses can foster student success. This latest accolade underscores FAMU’s commitment to equitable access and academic excellence.
The Opportunity College and University title, part of Carnegie’s newly launched Student Access and Earnings Classification, recognizes institutions that enroll students reflective of their communities and ensure strong post-graduation earnings. FAMU is among just 479 U.S. schools (16% of those evaluated) to receive the 2025 designation, praised for its role as a national model in advancing student success. The classification assesses how well universities bridge equity gaps and deliver economic mobility, particularly for underrepresented groups.
A new benchmark for equity and outcomes
The Carnegie Foundation and the American Council on Education (ACE) redesigned their classification system to prioritize two pressing questions: Is college accessible to all Americans, regardless of background? And does a degree deliver economic mobility? FAMU’s designation reflects its success on both fronts. The university enrolls significant numbers of Pell Grant recipients and underrepresented students while achieving post-graduation earnings that exceed regional averages—even when accounting for students who did not complete their degrees.
“By providing affordable access to a world-class education that leads to high earnings after graduation, FAMU is transforming lives and creating generational change,” said Interim President Tim Beard. “Student success is a primary focus at FAMU and we are proud to be recognized as an Opportunity University by the Carnegie Classifications.”
“This honor reaffirms our mission to open doors and transform lives,” Beard added. “Our students don’t just earn degrees—they thrive in their careers and uplift their communities.”
Earlier this year, FAMU was once again recognized as a Carnegie R2, a designation it attained in 2018, highlighting the university's continued pressence as a research powerhouse. The designation reflects high levels of research spending and robust doctoral program output, placing FAMU among the top-tier institutions driving innovation in fields such as public health, agriculture, and STEM.
“Students apply to college expecting a path to opportunity,” said Timothy Knowles, president of the Carnegie Foundation. This framework holds schools accountable for delivering on that promise. For FAMU, the accolade is both validation and a call to deepen its impact—proving that equity and excellence need not be mutually exclusive.
FAMU’s inclusion signals its success in balancing accessibility with outcomes—a rarity among R2 schools.
With these dual distinctions, FAMU solidifies its position as a trailblazer in higher education, bridging opportunity and excellence. FAMU's classification, “Mixed Undergraduate/Graduate-Doctorate Medium,” includes 100 institutions. This represents 3% of U.S. colleges and universities in the Institutional Classification.