Colorado School of Mines in Golden has reaffirmed its R1 research institution status in the 2025 Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. The designation recognizes “Very High (Research) Spending and Doctorate Production” and includes Mines among just 187 institutions nationwide out of nearly 4,000 public and private universities in the U.S. Mines first earned R1 status in 2022.
The 2025 classifications were based on an updated methodology aimed at accurately reflecting the research landscape in American higher education. Over the past decade, Mines has seen its federal, state and private research funding grow by nearly 70%, with funding exceeding $106 million in fiscal year 2024. For FY24, research spending at Mines totaled more than $94 million, and the university awarded 124 doctorates.
“R1 status is an achievement that only the top 5 percent of research institutions nationwide earn, and Mines’ continued recognition reflects the dedication of the Mines research community to drive innovation with impact,” said Walter Copan, vice president for research and technology transfer at Mines.
Known for its focus on applied science and engineering, Mines addresses challenges in earth, energy and environmental sciences, including critical minerals, sustainable mining, water contamination and energy independence. The university also engages in research areas such as quantum science, robotics, space exploration and advanced materials.
“Mines has a unique history of use-inspired research that draws on our strong partnerships with industry, federal labs and other universities, to take on the most pressing and complex challenges of our time and to deliver innovations that improve our lives,” Copan said.
To qualify for R1 classification, universities must achieve at least $50 million in total research spending and award 70 research doctorates annually. In Colorado, Mines is joined by Colorado State University, University of Colorado Boulder, University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus and University of Denver in earning the R1 designation for 2025.
