Has the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching recognized UH as a Tier One research university?

In its most recent classification of universities, issued in January 2011, the Carnegie Foundation categorized UH as a Research University with "very high research activity" (RU/VH) the highest classification given to research universities and the equivalent of Tier One status. UH was previously in the "high research activity" category.

See the Carnegie Foundation press release here.

That means UH is a Tier One university?

Yes. Within the academic community, the Carnegie classification is commonly regarded to be one of three indicators that reflect an institution's rank as a Tier One institution. The other two are its rank in the Center for Measuring University Performance's Top American Research University (TARU) reports and membership in the Association of American Universities (AAU). Recognition by any of these three is generally taken as an indication of Tier One status.

What is the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching?

It is a nationally recognized policy and research center founded in 1905 by Andrew Carnegie and chartered in 1906 by an act of Congress. The Carnegie Foundation systematically evaluates and classifies colleges and universities based on empirical data. Universities are reclassified approximately every five years. For more information: http://www.carnegiefoundation.org/

What indicators does the Carnegie Foundation evaluate to determine its classifications of research universities?

The foundation evaluates the amount of research and development funds expended at institutions, which gauges the level of research activity occurring at universities. The Foundation also considers the number of research staff with doctorates employed by universities as well as the number of doctoral degrees awarded each year.

How many schools are included in this top tier for doctoral research universities?

The Carnegie Foundation classifies more than 4,000 colleges and universities in the United States. In its latest report, fewer than 300 are classified as research universities, and approximately 100 have been given the Top Tier designation – Very High Research Activity (RU/VH).

How many universities in Texas are in that top-tier group?

Three public universities – the University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M at College Station and, now, the University of Houston. Rice University is included as a private university.

How does this affect UH's situation with regard to the state's National Research University Fund (NRUF), a program to financially support seven Emerging Research Uh3rsities as they meet state-determined benchmarks to become more nationally competitive?

UH's designation as a top-tier research university by the Carnegie Foundation should have no direct effect on its meeting the NRUF benchmarks and qualifying for the designated funds. UH remains classified as an Emerging Research University and, as such, remains eligible for financial support.

Does the Carnegie classification in its top tier mean that UH has now completed its task of becoming a Tier One university?

The Carnegie recognition, which focuses on research success, is a gratifying and pleasantly surprising achievement since it has been accomplished sooner than many imagined was possible. It is very encouraging and validates the considerable efforts and commitment of UH and its supporters. We will be working hard to maintain that distinction. However, Tier One status in this area is not an end in itself. UH is still committed to broadening our overall excellence and, in particular, strengthening our performance and reputation for student success. We are continuing our efforts along those lines and hope to enjoy results as admirable as the Carnegie distinction at some point.

For a general FAQ about Tier One and the University of Houston, please go to: http://www.uh.edu/about/tier-one/index.php