The Carnegie Community Engagement Classification has been assessing and recognizing colleges for the past 19 years. Announced Jan. 12, Florida Atlantic University is one of 277 U.S. colleges to receive the classification for 2026, reconfirming its achievement after also earning this classification in 2020. 

Florida Atlantic is now one of 11 universities in the U.S. to hold three Carnegie Foundation designations: the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification, R1: Very High Research Spending and Doctorate Production and Opportunity College and University.

FAU received a Carnegie Classification for its research excellence, placing it among the top 5% of the about 4,000 universities in the U.S. FAU also notably received an award for being a model of student success at the university. The university is grouped with 107 institutions, making up 3% of U.S. colleges and universities.

“Community engagement and strong local partnerships are central to Florida Atlantic’s continued rise,” said FAU President Adam Hasner. “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’s Carnegie Engagement Classification is valid through 2032.

Anthony Ortiz is a Reporter for the University Press. For more information regarding this or other stories, email Ortiz at [email protected].