Florida Atlantic University Achieves Prestigious Carnegie Community Engagement Classification

Florida Atlantic University Achieves Notable Carnegie Classification

Florida Atlantic University (FAU) has recently achieved a significant milestone by earning the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification for 2026. This prestigious recognition places FAU among 277 distinguished colleges and universities across the United States that have made substantial commitments towards community engagement. The classification, awarded by the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, emphasizes the university's dedication to fostering connections with its local partners and enhancing the overall community.

Originally received in 2020, FAU's re-confirmation of this classification reflects its ongoing commitment to community service and engagement initiatives. As President Adam Hasner remarked, "Community engagement and strong local partnerships are central to Florida Atlantic's continued rise. This distinction affirms our momentum, and we are grateful to our growing network of community partners who support our mission as their hometown university.”

FAU stands out as one of only 11 universities nationwide to hold three distinct Carnegie designations: the Community Engagement Classification, recognition as an “R1 Very High Research Spending and Doctorate Production” institution, and designation as an “Opportunity College and University.” This accolade not only highlights FAU's academic excellence but also its role in promoting social mobility through education.

The Carnegie Community Engagement Classification serves as a pivotal framework in assessing and recognizing the efforts of institutions in community engagement. For nearly two decades, it has encouraged colleges and universities to create and support partnerships that advance scholarship, enhance educational quality, cultivate strong civic values, and tackle pressing societal challenges while contributing meaningfully to the public good.

In the 2026 classification cycle, 237 institutions were honored with this recognition. The latest cohort includes a blend of educational entities, comprising 157 public colleges, 80 private institutions, and 81 minority-serving colleges, with a promising array of first-time recipients alongside those maintaining their status from previous classifications.

FAU's achievement is valid until 2032, signaling its sustained commitment to community engagement moving forward. The proactive outreach and collaborative projects characterized by these partnerships are integral to enriching students' educational experiences and positively impacting local communities.

Florida Atlantic University, with over 32,000 enrolled students across six campuses in Southeast Florida, continues to position itself as a leader in higher education, providing accessible pathways to success for a diverse array of students. Its recognition among the Top 100 Public Universities by U.S. News and its designation as a Top 25 Best-In-Class College by Washington Monthly further cement its role as an effective catalyst for upward mobility among its student body.

As FAU progresses in its mission to enhance academic opportunities and foster community connections, the recent Carnegie designation will undoubtedly serve as a source of inspiration and motivation for future initiatives focused on community engagement and development. By further collaborating with local organizations and embracing the principles of civic responsibility, FAU is poised to make lasting contributions that resonate within and beyond its campus community.