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Menlo College Showcases Leadership in AI and Innovation Through Faculty Thought Leadership and Cutting-Edge Programs

Atherton, CA — November 30, 2025 — Menlo College is accelerating its leadership in artificial intelligence (AI) and data-driven innovation through academic programs, faculty thought leadership, and the launch of the Institute of AI and Sustainability. The College is preparing students to tackle real‑world challenges at the intersection of technology, ethics, business, and even athletics.

Institute of AI and Sustainability
In August 2025, Menlo College launched the Institute of AI and Sustainability, a pioneering initiative designed to connect students, faculty, and industry leaders. The Institute focuses on ethical AI applications and sustainable innovation through two flagship programs hosted on campus: an annual Summer Accelerator and a year-round Innovation Conference Series.

“Menlo College is committed to preparing students for a future shaped by AI,” said Sidaoui. “Through our programs, faculty expertise, and initiatives like the Institute of AI and Sustainability, we are equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and ethical grounding to innovate responsibly and lead in the AI-driven economy.”

The Institute’s inaugural event, “AI & Sustainability: Innovation for Impact,” took place on October 2, 2025, and featured a panel discussion with faculty and members of the Menlo College community. The conversation explored the question: “Can AI Save the Planet?” and highlighted how students and faculty are engaging with AI to address real-world sustainability challenges.

Faculty & Staff Thought Leadership Driving the Conversation on AI

Associate Professor Lisa Mendelman, PhD, who teaches English and Digital Humanities at Menlo, spoke at the IEEE International Symposium on Technology and Society (ISTAS25) in September 2025, where she participated in a lunchtime roundtable titled “AI and the Power of the Written Word: A Godzilla or Gutenberg Impact?” Drawing on her expertise at the intersection of literature, mental health, and digital culture, Mendelman examined AI not merely as a tool, but as a cultural and ethical force reshaping how we write, read, and understand one another. Her thought leadership highlights the broader implications of AI for communication, creativity, and society.

In addition, Assistant Director of Athletics for Non‑NCAA Sports Tim Ghormley represented Menlo College as a panelist at the FITOFAN AI Sport Forum, held during SF Tech Week. He joined industry founders and sports‑tech investors to explore how AI is transforming performance, training, athlete development and engagement. 

Further underscoring Menlo College’s growing leadership in AI-related scholarship, Assistant Professor Sonia Tahareh, PhD, who teaches AI & Analytics and Information Systems courses at Menlo, recently published a peer-reviewed research article examining how patients perceive AI-enabled diagnostic tools in healthcare. Her study, grounded in Behavioral Reasoning Theory and developed through a sequential mixed-methods design, identifies the key motivations and concerns that shape patient acceptance of AI in medical diagnosis. The research highlights the importance of trust, perceived accuracy, privacy, and the continued desire for human interaction, offering timely insights for healthcare leaders and policymakers working to integrate AI responsibly and effectively into medical practice.

AI‑Enabled Recruitment Strategy
This recruiting season, Menlo’s Admissions Office is embracing advanced tools to better engage students and streamline outreach. The College will deploy CollegeVine’s AI Recruiter tool, a next‑generation platform that allows institutions to deliver hyper‑personalized outreach at scale and integrate with CRM systems to target students more effectively.

By implementing this AI‑driven recruitment partner, Menlo is enabling its admissions counselors to spend more time on direct interactions with prospective students, while AI handles routine outreach and helps narrow the pool of high‑potential candidates. This approach ensures counselors can focus on the most meaningful connections without sacrificing efficiency.

Learn more about Menlo College’s AI-focused programs: AI and Analytics Major, Master of Science in Information Systems, and Master of Science in Financial Technology, and discover how the Institute of AI and Sustainability is driving innovation and ethical leadership.

Contact Information:

Press Contact: pr@menlo.edu 

About Menlo College:

Menlo College is a small private, nonprofit college founded in 1927 with a mission to “ignite potential and educate students to make meaningful contributions in the innovation economy.” Situated in the heart of Silicon Valley, Menlo College offers undergraduate degrees in business and psychology, as well as three graduate degrees: a Master of Science in Information Systems, a Master of Science in Financial Technology, and a Master of Arts in Sport and Performance Psychology. Menlo is designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American, Native American, and Pacific Islander-Serving (AANAPISI) Institution.

Menlo College Named Among Best Sport Psychology Master’s Programs in the Nation

Atherton, CA — November 5, 2025 —  Menlo College’s Master of Arts in Sport and Performance Psychology (MASPP) has been named to Psychology Degree 411’s list of the Best Sport Psychology Master’s Programs for 2025. The list features top not-for-profit institutions that excel in providing accredited, high-quality education for future sport psychology professionals.

Psychology Degree 411 evaluates programs based on accreditation status, tuition, delivery format, and credit requirements, helping prospective students make informed decisions about their education and career goals.

“We’re proud to see our program highlighted for the strong foundation it provides students in performance psychology, counseling, and applied practice,” said Dr. Carolynn P. Hobbs, Director of the MASPP program. “This recognition reflects the dedication of our faculty, staff, and students to excellence both in and out of the classroom.”

Menlo College’s MASPP program prepares students to work with athletes, performers, and teams to enhance mental performance and well-being. With small class sizes, hands-on training, and faculty mentorship, students gain practical experience that sets them apart in the growing field of sport and performance psychology.

The acknowledgement also honors the leadership of former Director Dr. Zackary Bryant and Dean of Arts and Sciences Dr. Melissa Michelson, whose continued support has strengthened the program’s reputation for academic rigor and student success.

Visit Psychology Degree 411 to read the full article and learn more about our Master of Arts in Sport and Performance Psychology (MASPP) program on our website. 

Contact Information:

Press Contact: pr@menlo.edu 

About Menlo College:

Menlo College is a small private, nonprofit college founded in 1927 with a mission to “ignite potential and educate students to make meaningful contributions in the innovation economy.” Situated in the heart of Silicon Valley, Menlo College offers undergraduate degrees in business and psychology, as well as three graduate degrees: a Master of Science in Information Systems, a Master of Science in Financial Technology, and a Master of Arts in Sport and Performance Psychology. Menlo is designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American, Native American, and Pacific Islander-Serving (AANAPISI) Institution.

Global Perspectives: MSIS & MSFT Students Bring Diverse Experiences to Campus

Atherton, CA – October 2025 – Our current cohort of Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS) and the Master of Science in Financial Technology (MSFT) students exemplifies the power of global collaboration in technology education. With 23 talented students enrolled this year, our programs have attracted future business tech leaders from 12 countries across four continents.

This year’s student body represents a truly international community, with students hailing from China, Egypt, France, Germany, India, Iran, Italy, Mexico, Nepal, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States. This rich diversity brings varied perspectives on AI, business practices, and innovation to our classrooms, creating a dynamic learning environment that mirrors the interconnected nature of today’s digital economy.

Students in our international cohort benefit from the high-touch support model provided by the School of Business Graduate Office. From enrollment through graduation and career placement, students receive personalized guidance tailored to their individual academic and professional goals. Faculty members maintain an open-door approach, creating mentorship relationships that extend beyond traditional classroom interactions and actively supporting students’ research interests and career development aspirations.

International students have access to comprehensive professional development resources designed specifically for their unique needs. Through targeted assistance with resume development, interview preparation, networking strategies, and navigation of the U.S. job market, students build the professional competencies necessary for career success. Curricular Practical Training (CPT) opportunities enable students to gain valuable work experience while completing their degrees, allowing them to integrate academic knowledge with real-world application in technology organizations and build their professional portfolios.

Our MSIS program, designated as a STEM program, allows international students to benefit from up to 36 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT) work authorization after graduation. This designation highlights the program’s strong technical foundation and significantly enhances graduates’ competitiveness in the technology sector, offering greater flexibility and opportunity to build successful careers in the United States.

Learn more about our Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS) and the Master of Science in Financial Technology (MSFT).

Contact Information:

Press Contact: pr@menlo.edu 

About Menlo College:

Menlo College is a small private, nonprofit college founded in 1927 with a mission to “ignite potential and educate students to make meaningful contributions in the innovation economy.” Situated in the heart of Silicon Valley, Menlo College offers undergraduate degrees in business and psychology, as well as three graduate degrees: a Master of Science in Information Systems, a Master of Science in Financial Technology, and a Master of Arts in Sport and Performance Psychology. Menlo is designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American, Native American, and Pacific Islander-Serving (AANAPISI) Institution.

Menlo College Introduces New Biotechnology Minor

Atherton, CA — October 1, 2025 — Menlo College is proud to announce the launch of its new Biotechnology Minor, designed to provide students with a strong scientific foundation while preparing them for careers at the intersection of science, business, and technology. The first course in the program, BIO 200 Introductory Biochemistry, will be offered in Spring 2026.

The Biotechnology Minor introduces students to the fundamentals of biochemistry, cell biology, laboratory methods, and ethical considerations—providing valuable preparation for those interested in entering the biotechnology field or pursuing postgraduate education in STEM-related disciplines.

“The biotechnology industry is reshaping health, technology, and society,” said Dean of Arts & Sciences Dr. Melissa Michelson. “This minor equips Menlo students with both scientific understanding and the ability to apply it in business, entrepreneurship, and policy contexts.”

Through coursework that combines hands-on training in genomic technologies such as cloning, barcoding, and CRISPR-Cas9 with explorations of ethics in genome engineering, GMOs, and synthetic biology, students will gain both practical laboratory experience and critical perspectives.

By integrating scientific study with Menlo’s emphasis on business applications, the Biotechnology Minor reflects the College’s mission to provide practical, forward-looking learning experiences that prepare graduates to contribute meaningfully to industries driving innovation and change.

Visit our website for more information about the Biotechnology Minor.

Contact Information:

Press Contact: pr@menlo.edu 

About Menlo College:

Menlo College is a small private, nonprofit college founded in 1927 with a mission to “ignite potential and educate students to make meaningful contributions in the innovation economy.” Situated in the heart of Silicon Valley, Menlo College offers undergraduate degrees in business and psychology, as well as three graduate degrees: a Master of Science in Information Systems, a Master of Science in Financial Technology, and a Master of Arts in Sport and Performance Psychology. Menlo is designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American, Native American, and Pacific Islander-Serving (AANAPISI) Institution.

Menlo College Launches Latino Leadership Program in Celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month

Atherton, CA — September 18, 2025 —  In celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month, Menlo College is proud to announce the launch of its new Latino Leadership Program, an initiative designed to empower student leaders, strengthen democratic institutions, and contribute to the civic health of local communities.

The program will provide Menlo students with the skills, mentorship, and opportunities they need to achieve their academic and career goals while encouraging meaningful engagement and leadership within, and for, Latino communities. While inspired by the need to expand pathways for Latino leadership, the program is open to students of all races and ethnicities who seek to develop their civic engagement and professional leadership potential.

Through a combination of planned coursework and co-curricular programming, students will engage in a wide range of activities, including field trips to cultural institutions, workshops with civic leaders, and community-based projects in the San Francisco Bay Area. The first cohort of students will graduate in 2027, aligning with Menlo College’s Centennial celebration.

“Latinos represent nearly 40% of California’s population but remain significantly underrepresented in positions of political and executive leadership nationwide,” said Dean of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Melissa Michelson. “Menlo College is committed to addressing this gap by preparing our students—Latino and non-Latino alike—to become leaders who will shape the future of their communities and beyond.”

The launch of the Latino Leadership Program builds upon Menlo College’s status as a federally recognized Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI). Since receiving this designation in 2019, the College’s Latino student population has grown to 41%, well above the national average for U.S. colleges and universities.

Menlo College invites alumni, community partners, and friends of the College to join in supporting the program and its mission to prepare future leaders.

Visit our Giving Page to make a gift in support of the Latino Leadership Program and our website for more information. 

Contact Information:

Press Contact: pr@menlo.edu 

About Menlo College:

Menlo College is a small private, nonprofit college founded in 1927 with a mission to “ignite potential and educate students to make meaningful contributions in the innovation economy.” Situated in the heart of Silicon Valley, Menlo College offers undergraduate degrees in business and psychology, as well as three graduate degrees: a Master of Science in Information Systems, a Master of Science in Financial Technology, and a Master of Arts in Sport and Performance Psychology. Menlo is designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American, Native American, and Pacific Islander-Serving (AANAPISI) Institution.

Menlo College Institute of AI and Sustainability

Atherton, CA — August 8, 2025 — Menlo College is proud to announce the launch of the Menlo College Institute of AI and Sustainability, a bold new initiative that underscores the College’s commitment to innovation, ethical leadership, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The Institute is the result of a visionary partnership conceived by Menlo College Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the School of Business Dr. Mouwafac Sidaoui and NT Capital Management Founder and President Dr. John Nguyen (MSIS ’25).

Designed as a vibrant hub for innovation, the Institute will connect students, faculty, and industry leaders through two flagship programs that will be hosted on the Menlo College campus: an annual Summer Accelerator and a year-round Innovation Conference Series.

As a cornerstone of this collaboration, NT Capital Management has pledged an investment of $300,000 to support the Menlo College School of Business and the launch of this new initiative.

This partnership exemplifies Menlo College’s entrepreneurial spirit and enduring ties to Silicon Valley. Through the AI & Sustainability Institute, Menlo College will empower students to engage with real-world challenges and opportunities at the intersection of ethical AI, sustainability, and entrepreneurship—placing the College at the forefront of impactful innovation.

In the next two months, we will be hosting a kick-off event to launch the new institute. The event, titled “AI & Sustainability: Innovation for Impact,” will feature a launch celebration and an interactive panel discussion asking the question, “Can AI Save the Planet?” The panel will include students, faculty, and members and friends of the Menlo College community.

Learn more about Menlo’s AI & Analytics major.

Contact Information:

Press Contact: pr@menlo.edu 

About Menlo College:

Menlo College is a small private, nonprofit college founded in 1927 with a mission to “ignite potential and educate students to make meaningful contributions in the innovation economy.” Situated in the heart of Silicon Valley, Menlo College offers undergraduate degrees in business and psychology, as well as three graduate degrees: a Master of Science in Information Systems, a Master of Science in Financial Technology, and a Master of Arts in Sport and Performance Psychology. Menlo is designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American, Native American, and Pacific Islander-Serving (AANAPISI) Institution.

Menlo College School of Business Earns AACSB Reaccreditation, Reaffirming Its Global Excellence in Business Education

Atherton, CA – July 9, 2025 — Menlo College is proud to share that its School of Business has once again earned reaccreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), a distinction held by fewer than 6% of business schools worldwide.

AACSB accreditation reflects more than just meeting global standards — it represents passion, innovation, and dedication to shaping an academic environment to prepare future business leaders to succeed and make an impact, a commitment shared by faculty, staff, students, and alumni alike.

“Earning accreditation from AACSB is a significant milestone,” said Steven A. Weiner, President of Menlo College. “It’s a powerful endorsement of the excellence of our academic programs, the dedication and expertise of our faculty, and the shared vision that drives our entire community. I’m deeply grateful to everyone who helped and contributed to this achievement.”

Dr. Mouwafac Sidaoui, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the School of Business, echoed that sentiment: “This recognition validates the purpose-driven work we do every day—preparing agile, ethical, and globally minded business leaders. We take pride in building a business school that is both relevant and exceptional in an ever-evolving global landscape. We are also deeply grateful to the members of our Board of Trustees and Dean’s Executive Advisory Council, and the dedicated faculty and staff whose guidance, expertise, and mentorship are essential to our continued success.”

The AACSB review team specifically highlighted Menlo’s student-focused learning, hands-on educational approach, and deep connections with the business world. These elements are the foundation of Menlo’s mission and reflect its core belief: that great business education combines academic rigor with real-world relevance.

Since first earning AACSB accreditation in 2014, Menlo has consistently evolved to meet the changing needs of students and the global economy. Over the last 18 months, the School of Business introduced two new graduate programs—a Master of Science in Information Systems and a Master of Science in FinTech. And Menlo recently launched an enhanced, forward-looking undergraduate B.S. in AI and Analytics.

Menlo’s renewed AACSB accreditation not only reaffirms its place among the world’s leading business schools—it also enhances the value of a Menlo degree for current students, alumni, employers, and academic partners worldwide. To learn more about Menlo College School of Business and its AACSB-accredited programs, visit www.menlo.edu.

Contact Information:

Press Contact: pr@menlo.edu


About Menlo College
Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, Menlo College is a premier institution dedicated to business education. With a strong focus on personalized learning and hands-on experience, Menlo empowers students to lead, innovate, and excel in today’s dynamic global economy.

Menlo College Ranks in the Top 8.3% of Universities Worldwide, Celebrates Year of Distinction

Atherton, CA – June 2, 2025 – Menlo College has been ranked in the top 8.3% of universities worldwide in the 2025 Global 2000 list published by the Center for World University Rankings (CWUR), out of 21,462 institutions evaluated. The ranking reflects the College’s strong performance across CWUR’s outcome-based methodology, which includes education, employability, faculty, and research.

Menlo’s Employability Rank of #62 places it among the top institutions globally for preparing graduates to succeed in their careers. CWUR rankings are based entirely on measurable indicators with no reliance on surveys or institutional submissions. For the more than 21,000 institutions around the world, the 2025 edition analyzed 74 million data points.

A Year of Achievement

This recognition comes during a year marked by several major milestones for Menlo College:

  • Handshake Career Spark Award: Menlo’s Internship and Career Services team was honored with a Career Spark Award, recognizing its success in supporting students’ career readiness and professional growth.
  • Carnegie “Opportunity College and University” Designation: The Carnegie Foundation and the American Council on Education named Menlo an Opportunity College and University. This designation highlights institutions that serve students from diverse backgrounds and lead to strong post-graduate earnings.
  • New Graduate Program in Financial Technology: Menlo launched its third graduate program, offering a new Master of Science in Financial Technology (MSFT) degree.  The program was designed in collaboration with industry leaders to prepare students for high-demand roles in digital finance. It blends rigorous training in finance, blockchain, AI, and digital banking with real-world application, positioning graduates to lead in a rapidly evolving fintech landscape.
  • NCAA Division II Transition: Menlo Athletics achieved remarkable success in its first year competing as a new member of NCAA Division II, further enhancing opportunities for student-athletes. 

“This has been an exceptional year for Menlo College. From global recognition in university rankings to new academic programs and national accolades, each milestone affirmed our commitment to student success and career readiness,” said President Steven Weiner. “These achievements underscore the strength of our community and the impact of a Menlo College education.”

Read more about our Handshake Career Spark Award and Internships and Career Services, Carnegie Designation, MSFT Program, and NCAA II Athletics

For more information about the 2025 Global 2000 list, visit cwur.org.

Contact Information:

Press Contact: pr@menlo.edu

About Menlo College:

Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, Menlo College is a small, private, nonprofit institution founded in 1927 with a mission to “ignite potential and educate students to make meaningful contributions in the innovation economy.” Menlo offers undergraduate degrees in business and psychology, as well as graduate programs, including a Master of Science in Information Systems, a Master of Arts in Sport and Performance Psychology, and a newly launched Master of Science in Financial Technology. With a student body that includes many first-generation college students, Menlo emphasizes experiential learning, requiring internships as part of the curriculum to ensure students graduate career-ready. The College is also proud to be designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI).

Menlo College Signs new Director of MASPP Program

Atherton, CA – May 5, 2025 – Menlo College is pleased to announce that Carolynn Hobbs will join Menlo College this fall as the second director of the school’s Master of Arts in Sport and Performance Psychology.

Hobbs’ PhD in Human Performance at Middle Tennessee State University dissertation research explores well-being and thriving among elite youth athletes in competitive athletics. Prior to pursuing her doctorate, Hobbs earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Sonoma State University and a Master of Arts in Kinesiology from San Jose State, with specializations in sport psychology, sport management, and sport sociology.

In addition to her academic experience, Hobbs has almost two decades of professional experience including working as a mental performance consultant, an athletic coach, directing a competitive cheer program, and, most recently, as Director of Sport Psychology and Mental Performance for Fierce Cheer Elite. She comes to Menlo as an Association for Applied Sport Psychology Certified Mental Performance Consultant®.

Hobbs succeeds Dr. Zachary Bryant, who joined Menlo College in early 2023 and was instrumental in designing and launching the MASPP program. The College will graduate its first cohort of master’s students next week, on May 17, 2025. Dr. Bryant will transition to a full-time role as Assistant Professor of Psychology.

“I could not be more excited to welcome Carolynn Hobbs as our next MASPP Director,” said Dean of Arts & Sciences Melissa Michelson. “She brings a wealth of real-world experience and academic expertise that will help our faculty and students achieve their full potential. I look forward to seeing how she continues the rapid growth of the program we enjoyed under Zack Bryant while also keeping the curriculum fresh and relevant to professionals in the field.”

For more information about the MASPP program and application process, visit the MASPP Program page here.

Contact Information:

Press Contact: pr@menlo.edu

About Menlo College

Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, Menlo College is a small, private, nonprofit institution founded in 1927 with a mission to “ignite potential and educate students to make meaningful contributions in the innovation economy.” Menlo offers undergraduate degrees in business and psychology, as well as graduate programs, including a Master of Science in Information Systems, a Master of Arts in Sport and Performance Psychology, and a newly launched Master of Science in Financial Technology. With a student body that includes many first-generation college students, Menlo emphasizes experiential learning, requiring internships as part of the curriculum to ensure students graduate career-ready. The College is also proud to be designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI).

Menlo Named Opportunity College and University by the Carnegie Classification 

Atherton, CA – April, 24 2025 – Menlo College has been designated as an Opportunity College and University by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, recognizing Menlo as an institution that can serve as a model for how campuses can foster student success. 

The Opportunity Colleges and Universities designation is part of a newly developed Student Access and Earnings Classification published this month by the Carnegie Foundation and the American Council on Education. This new classification examines the extent to which institutions foster opportunities for student success by measuring whether institutions are enrolling students reflective of the communities they serve and how the earnings of those students compare to peers in their area. In 2025, 479 institutions were identified as Opportunity Colleges and Universities, which is about 16% of all U.S. colleges and universities that are in the Student Access and Earnings Classification.

“We are proud that Menlo College is being recognized as a model institution for access and upward mobility,” said Steven Weiner, President of Menlo College. “Our mission is rooted in opening doors for students from all backgrounds and ensuring they leave Menlo with not just a degree, but the skills and support to thrive economically and professionally. This designation affirms our focus on real-world outcomes and inclusive opportunity.”

Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, Menlo College is a small, private, nonprofit institution founded in 1927 with a mission to “ignite potential and educate students to make meaningful contributions in the innovation economy.” Menlo offers undergraduate degrees in business and psychology, as well as graduate programs, including a Master of Science in Information Systems, a Master of Arts in Sport and Performance Psychology, and a newly launched Master of Science in Financial Technology. With a student body that includes many first-generation college students, Menlo emphasizes experiential learning, requiring internships as part of the curriculum to ensure students graduate career-ready. The College is also proud to be designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI).

Menlo has been classified as a Special Focus: Business institution in the 2025 Institutional Classification and was named an Opportunity College and University for its success in enrolling underrepresented students and fostering strong post-attendance earnings. These recognitions are based on publicly available data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, and the U.S. Census Bureau.

The methodology for the new Student Access and Earnings Classification uses multidimensional groupings of the 2025 Institutional Classification to evaluate student access and earnings between similar colleges and universities. 

More information about 2025 Student Earnings and Access Classifications, including the methodology, can be found here

About the Carnegie Classification

The Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education is the leading framework for recognizing and describing institutional diversity in U.S. higher education. The Carnegie Commission on Higher Education developed the classification in 1973 to support its program of research and policy analysis, and it was updated in 1976, 1987, 1994, 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, 2018, 2021, and 2025 to reflect changes among colleges and universities. It will next be updated in 2028, with subsequent updates every three years.

About the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching

The mission of the Carnegie Foundation is to catalyze transformational change in education so that every student has the opportunity to live a healthy, dignified, and fulfilling life. Enacted by an act of Congress in 1906, the Foundation has a rich history of driving transformational change in the education sector, including the establishment of TIAA-CREF and the creation of the Education Testing Service, the GRE, Pell Grants, and the Carnegie Classifications for Higher Education.

About the American Council on Education

ACE unites and leads higher education institutions toward a shared vision for the future. With more than 1,600 member colleges, universities, and associations, ACE designs solutions for today’s challenges and advances public policy to support a diverse and dynamic higher education sector. Learn more at www.acenet.edu or follow ACE on X (formerly Twitter) @ACEducation and LinkedIn american-council-on-education.

Media Contacts

Tess Rewick
pr@menlo.edu

Jon Riskind (ACE)
202-697-0741
jriskind@acenet.edu

Kito Cetrulo (Carnegie Foundation)
650-566-5100
kcetrulo@carnegiefoundation.org

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