UC Merced has earned R1 status from Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, putting it in the highest tier of the nation’s research institutions, university officials said Thursday .
The designation puts UC Merced in an exclusive group of 187 accredited doctoral-granting universities (out of nearly 4,000) in the United States that are considered “very high (for) research spending and doctorate production,” according to a news release.
Less than 10% of the nation’s eligible public and private colleges and universities have acquired the R1 designation. UC Merced is the only university in the San Joaquin Valley to have the designation.
“Earning the highly coveted Carnegie R1 benchmark exemplifies UC Merced’s status as a comprehensive research university and our unwavering commitment to discovery, innovation, access and academic excellence,” UC Merced Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz said in the release.
“To achieve this milestone within the first 20 years of existence is a testament to the dedication and vision of our faculty, staff, students and supporters, who have worked tirelessly to advance research, scholarship and the reputation of UC Merced and the Central Valley.”
University officials hope the R1 designation will unlock new research opportunities by expanding funding opportunities and increasing the global impact of the university’s research.
The university also plans on using its new status as a recruitment tool for more faculty and prospective students.
“I’m extremely proud of all that UC Merced has achieved in just 20 years,” UC President Michael V. Drake said in the release. “Attaining R1 classification is a tremendous accomplishment and a resounding affirmation of the dedication and excellence of the campus’ leadership and esteemed faculty.
Since admitting its first graduate students in 2004, UC Merced has conferred nearly 900 doctorate degrees.