The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus was once again recognized as an R1 institution by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, a designation shared with the University of Colorado Denver that places it among the nation’s most elite research institutions. This recognition underscores CU Anschutz’s status as a leader in transformative research, innovation and academic excellence.
What is R1 classification?
R1 classification, or “Very High Research Activity” status, is reserved for institutions that demonstrate exceptional research output, doctoral degree production and investment in science and engineering. CU Anschutz’s impressive $708 million in research funding and 188 doctoral degrees awarded in 2023 solidified its place among top-tier research institutions in the country.
Among the nearly 4,000 degree-granting universities in the United States, only 187 were awarded this designation in 2025, making CU Anschutz part of an elite group of higher education institutions dedicated to advancing scientific discoveries and medical breakthroughs.
Since 1970, the Carnegie Classification provides the leading framework for recognizing the extraordinary breadth of research in U.S. higher education. The framework was first published in 1973 and is now updated every three years to reflect changes among colleges and universities. CU Anschutz was also classified as R1 in 2021; the Carnegie Classification reassessed its criteria for classification for 2025.
“Ongoing R1 recognition for our institution is a testament to the dedication of our faculty, students, staff and research teams,” said Thomas Flaig, MD, vice chancellor for research at CU Anschutz. “Together, we foster an environment of discovery by encouraging interdisciplinary partnerships across diverse fields of study, tackling some of the most pressing health challenges of our time. Our collaborative approach accelerates the translation of laboratory discoveries into real-world medical advancements that improve patient care.”
What does this designation mean for CU Anschutz faculty, staff and students?
As an academic health center committed to advancing medical innovation, CU Anschutz is home to more than 60 centers and institutes, contributing to a global impact through cutting-edge research and interdisciplinary collaboration.
CU Anschutz researchers are national leaders in the advancement of groundbreaking research across a multitude of fields and disciplines, such as machine learning in medicine, multiple sclerosis, basic science and CAR-T cell innovations. We are dedicated to uncovering a cure for blindness through whole eye transplantation and are a world leader in autoimmune neurologic disorder research. Our campus infrastructure is crucial to our status as a pioneer in medical research, with 800,000 square feet of lab space, more than 6,000 faculty members and more than 3,000 active clinical research trials.
CU Anschutz’s research prowess is further exemplified by its top national rankings across multiple disciplines, including being named a U.S. News & World Report Tier 1 – Top medical schools for research in 2024.
With this R1 designation, CU Anschutz is poised to attract even more top-tier faculty and researchers. This milestone is a direct result of the tireless work of its faculty, staff and students, who continue to push the boundaries of scientific inquiry and medical advancements.
