St. Edward’s Achieves Research University Status from Carnegie Foundation
AUSTIN, Texas — St. Edward’s University is proud to announce it has achieved another historic milestone. For the first time, the university has been designated as a research university by the American Council on Education (ACE) and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.
“This landmark achievement is a testament to the exceptional talent and dedication of our faculty, their scholarship, creative endeavors and research. We have advanced our research mission and our commitment to creating opportunities for our students and faculty to engage in innovative research programs,” said St. Edward’s University President Montserrat Fuentes. “Earning research university status is a significant milestone for our university, reflecting the steadfast support of our faculty, staff and community partners who are devoted to opening doors for students to graduate education and pathways to success in an ever-evolving workforce.”
Based on the criteria for the 2025 Research Activity Designation, St. Edward’s has earned this prestigious recognition under the Research Colleges and Universities (RCU) classification for investing an average of at least $2.5 million per year in research and development opportunities.
Prior to reaching an elevated level of distinction, the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education had previously recognized St. Edward’s in the Master's Colleges and Universities: Larger Programs category under the Basic Classification Methodology.
St. Edward’s will retain research university status until the next evaluation in 2028.
About St. Edward’s University
St. Edward’s University is a private university in the Catholic, Holy Cross tradition with approximately 3,000 students. Located in Austin, Texas, it is one of the top universities in the state and offers more than 50 undergraduate, seven master’s degree programs and a doctorate program. St. Edward’s delivers a premier, highly personalized education that provides students distinctive academics and extensive internships, research and service learning opportunities on a vibrant and inclusive hilltop campus in a world-class city. St. Edward’s has been recognized for 22 consecutive years as one of “America’s Best Colleges” by U.S. News & World Report. In the 2025 Best Colleges rankings, St. Edward’s ranked #5 in the Best Regional Universities in the West. The American Council on Education and Carnegie Foundation designated St. Edward’s as a research university in 2025.
