Carnegie Recognizes NSU with Student Success Designation

NSU’s focus on the workplace and preparing students for success after graduation was recognized by the Carnegie Foundation through an Opportunity College and Universities designation.

This new designation is based on the measurement of whether the institution’s enrollment of students is reflective of the communities they serve and how the earnings of those students compare to their peers in the region.

“This designation further demonstrates to current and prospective students that at NSU, our job is your career,” said NSU President and CEO Harry K. Moon.

This significant recognition comes on the heels of NSU reaching the elite status as an R-1 Research University, further cementing NSU’s commitment to research and innovation.

“NSU is recognized as an institution that can serve as a role model for studying how campuses can foster student success,” said Provost Ronald J. Chenail. “The designation of an Opportunity College and University highlights the diligent and successful efforts of the NSU faculty, staff, and students, along with our impressive alumni and inspiring donors.”

The designation is part of a newly developed Student Access and Earnings Classification published in April by the Carnegie Foundation and the American Council on Education. In 2025, only 479 institutions nationally received the classification, representing about 16 percent of the total number of U.S. colleges and universities within the Student Access and Earnings Classification.

NSU is one of only 21 universities in the nation, and one of only two private universities in the nation, to be designated as both an R-1 research institution and an Opportunity College and University by the Carnegie Foundation.