Michelle Kretzschmar

FAQ: What are research universities and why should students care?

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A person stands on a college campus pathway next to a sticky note with the text: "College FAQ: What are research universities and why should students care?" Research universities play a crucial role in advancing knowledge and providing students with unique learning opportunities.
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Note asking what are research universitiesDefining a Research University
Research Universities are Large
Research Universities are Focused on Faculty Research
Best Research Opportunities
List of Research Universities in the United States

Defining a Research University

A research university is simply a type of university that conducts more research relative to other colleges and universities. American universities are defined as research universities by the Carnegie Classification of Doctoral Universities. A university is considered a Doctoral University if it

  • awards at least 20 research/scholarship doctoral degrees
  • or awards at least 30 professional practice doctoral degrees in at least two programs.

To meet the “High research activity” or “Very high research activity,” the Doctoral University must:

  • award at least 20 research/scholarship doctoral degrees and
  • had at least $5 million in total research expenditures.

If you define research universities as only those with “Very high research activity,” there are only 130 in the United States. These are pretty much the most recognizable names in higher education including private institutions such as:

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