Ball State University is one of just 27 colleges and universities nationwide—and the only institution in Indiana—to receive both Research 2 (R2) and Opportunity College & University (OCU) designations in the newly released 2025 Carnegie Classifications of Institutions of Higher Education.
This rare dual recognition places Ball State among a select group of institutions excelling in both research and student success—advancing knowledge while also creating tangible outcomes for students and communities across the state and beyond. Ball State and Central Michigan University are the only Mid-American Conference (MAC) institutions to receive both designations.
“Ball State University is rare in so clearly advancing both opportunity and innovation,” wrote Timothy Knowles, president of the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, and Ted Mitchell, president of the American Council on Education, in an email to Ball State President Geoffrey S. Mearns and Provost Dr. Anand R. Marri. “We are thrilled to congratulate Ball State for its leadership on two essential fronts: advancing science and discovery for the nation and prioritizing student access and success.”
Ball State’s designation as an Opportunity College & University stems from the new Student Access and Earnings Classification. Developed by the Carnegie Foundation and the American Council on Education, this classification evaluates how well colleges serve students from the communities they represent—and whether graduates go on to earn more than their peers in similar regional job markets.
“This recognition affirms the guiding principles that shape our work every day,” Provost Marri said. “We are dedicated to preparing our students for fulfilling careers and meaningful lives, expanding access to high-impact learning experiences, advancing scholarship, and strengthening communities. These dual designations highlight the meaningful results of that mission.”
Ball State’s placement in the Higher Access, Higher Earnings category underscores its strong outcomes: the University enrolls a student population that reflects the broader region and helps those students achieve earnings that surpass expectations after graduation. The evaluation methodology includes:
- The percentage of Pell Grant recipients and other enrollment data compared to local demographics
- The median earnings of graduates eight years after entry, benchmarked against peer institutions and adjusted for geography and population
The recognition aligns with Ball State’s longstanding emphasis on student-centered teaching, regional and civic engagement, workforce relevance, and academic excellence across undergraduate and graduate programs.
For more information about the 2025 Carnegie Classifications and methodology, visit the Carnegie Classification website.