University of Detroit Mercy Achieves New Carnegie Classification for Opportunity Colleges

University of Detroit Mercy Achieves New Designation

The University of Detroit Mercy (UDM) has been officially recognized as an Opportunity College and University by the esteemed Carnegie Classifications. This distinction marks a significant stride in UDM's ongoing effort to enhance student success and promote effective academic practices across its campus.

What is the Carnegie Classification?

The Opportunity Colleges and Universities designation is part of a recent initiative aimed at assessing how well higher education institutions reflect the communities they serve. This classification, introduced in April, evaluates student access and success, analyzing the demographics of students admitted and comparing graduates' earnings to those of peers in similar regions.

In 2025, this classification recognized 479 institutions as Opportunity Colleges and Universities, comprising approximately 16% of all U.S. colleges included in the Student Access and Earnings Classification. According to Donald B. Taylor, UDM's president, this designation reinforces the university’s commitment to student achievement and its dedication to fostering research opportunities for both students and faculty.

Evaluation Methodology

The updated classification incorporates a comprehensive methodology for evaluating student access and earnings. This approach utilizes multidimensional groupings derived from the 2025 Institutional Classification to measure how effectively colleges facilitate student success. Notably, this new classification framework has revamped the previous Basic Classification system, which primarily categorized institutions by their highest degree offerings.

The redesigned Institutional Classification now employs a broader range of criteria, such as the variety of degrees offered, fields of study, and the overall size of institutions. As a result, UDM has received a designation that emphasizes its commitment to both undergraduate and graduate education, particularly focusing on doctoral programs, reflecting the university's dedication to academic excellence.

UDM's Academic Profile

The university is characterized as one with a medium-sized student body, enrolling between 4,000 and 20,000 students. Its academic offerings are predominantly focused on professions, focusing on pre-professional or career-oriented fields. This aligns with UDM’s mission to prepare students for successful careers post-graduation.

In addition to becoming an Opportunity College, UDM has also secured the designation of Research Colleges and Universities (RCU). This recognition highlights UDM’s notable research activities, affirming its status as a leader in academic investigations, with significant research expenditures reported through the National Science Foundation's Higher Education Research and Development Survey (HERD).

Impact and Recognition

This reclassification of the University of Detroit Mercy signifies a substantial shift in its national perception, enabling it to rise from regional recognition to a platform akin to that enjoyed by other prestigious institutions across the country. This achievement not only underscores UDM’s focus on enhancing educational access and success but also positions it as a significant player in national academic discussions and research initiatives.

As UDM continues to uphold its commitment to accessibility and student success, this designation is expected to help attract a diverse student body that reflects the communities it serves, ensuring that future graduates are well-equipped for the evolving job market. The Carnegie classification is ultimately more than a title; it's a testament to UDM's ongoing journey towards educational excellence.

UDM’s recognition as an Opportunity College, alongside its RCU standing, is a proud milestone in its mission to foster equitable educational opportunities and support transformative research, solidifying its commitment to the development of its students and the community at large.