Stanislaus State has received a new Carnegie Classification designation that recognizes the University as a national model in fostering student success.
Announced Thursday, April 24, by the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, Stanislaus State was named to the top tier of the newly developed Student Access and Earnings Classification — Opportunity Colleges and Universities: Higher Access, Higher Earnings.
The classification evaluates whether student enrollment reflects the communities institutions serve and how graduates’ earnings compare to peers in their region. Stan State is one of 15 California State University campuses — and one of just 479 institutions nationwide — to earn this designation. These 479 institutions represent approximately 16 percent of U.S. colleges and universities included in the Student Access and Earnings Classification.
“We are honored that Stanislaus State has received the Carnegie Classification as an Opportunity College and University – Higher Access, Higher Earnings, a prestigious recognition and yet another shining example of the strength of Stan State's signal in the Central Valley,” said President Britt Rios-Ellis. “Our students are applying what they learn to real-world challenges and possibilities, contributing meaningfully to the communities they call home and preparing to meet the professional workforce needs of our region.
“This recognition speaks to the essence of who we are — a Regional Comprehensive University committed to service, equity and impact. When Stan State thrives, the Central Valley thrives. From contributing more than $5.4 million in service learning and internship hours to generating more than $770 million in annual economic impact, we are proud to partner with our communities to create opportunity and serve, while transforming lives.”
The methodology for the Student Access and Earnings Classification uses multidimensional groupings from the 2025 Institutional Classification to assess student access and earnings among similar institutions.
Learn more about the 2025 Student Access and Earnings Classification and its methodology.
About Stanislaus State
Located in the heart of California’s Central Valley, Stanislaus State serves one of the most diverse and dynamic regions in the country. As a federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution, Stan State is committed to providing transformative educational opportunities for students who are often the first in their families to attend college and who bring rich cultural and community perspectives to the classroom. The University ranks No. 2 in the nation for social mobility, reflecting its success in helping students graduate and thrive professionally. Through regional partnerships, affordable degree programs and a focus on student-centered practices, Stan State continues to advance equity and expand opportunity in higher education.
About the Carnegie Classification
The Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education is the leading framework for recognizing and describing institutional diversity in U.S. higher education. Developed in 1973 by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education, the classification has been regularly updated to reflect changes across the sector, with the most recent release in 2025. Future updates are planned every three years.
About the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching
The Carnegie Foundation works to catalyze transformational change in education so that every student can live a healthy, dignified and fulfilling life. Established by an act of Congress in 1906, the Foundation has played a key role in shaping American education policy, including the creation of Pell Grants, the GRE and the original Carnegie Classifications.
About the American Council on Education
ACE unites and leads higher education institutions toward a shared vision for the future. Representing more than 1,600 colleges, universities and associations, ACE advances public policy and provides solutions to support a dynamic higher education sector. Learn more at www.acenet.edu or follow ACE on X (formerly Twitter) @ACEducation and LinkedIn at american-council-on-education.
