R1 Research Potential: A Study on Opportunities at HBCUs

In 2025, the American Council of Education modified the criteria for attaining the prestigious Research One (R1) Carnegie Classification. To qualify, universities now need to confer a minimum of 70 research doctoral degrees annually and invest at least $50 million in research and development. This year, Howard University became the sole HBCU to secure R1 status, spending around $85 million on research and granting 96 doctorates. A new Georgetown University study indicates updated R1 criteria might enable more HBCUs to reach this coveted status.