Carnegie Classification
What is the Carnegie Classification?
The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching Classification of Institutions of Higher Education is the nation's premier framework for categorizing and understanding U.S. higher education institutions. This comprehensive system evaluates universities across multiple dimensions:
Institutional Classification Basic academic structure and mission Student Access and Earnings Classification Accessibility and outcomes Research Designation Research activity and impact Elective Classifications Specialized recognitions in areas like community engagement
Community Engagement Classification
Kansas State University has embraced engagement as fundamental to our mission as the first operational land-grant university and the next-generation land-grant university. Since 2010, K-State has proudly held the Carnegie Foundation Community Engagement Elective Classification, a prestigious recognition of our unwavering commitment to public service through integrated teaching, research and community partnership.
About this classification
The Community Engagement Elective Classification represents more than an honor — it's a rigorous standard universities must earn and maintain through demonstrated excellence.
Key facts:
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Elective application process with stringent criteria
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Must reapply every six years to maintain designation
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Based on Carnegie Foundation's definition of community engagement as "...collaboration between institutions of higher education and their larger communities for the mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and resources in a context of partnership and reciprocity."
2025 reclassification
K-State completed the rigorous reclassification process in 2025, demonstrating continued excellence and growth in community engagement across all university functions.
Why this classification matters
The Carnegie Foundation Community Engagement Elective Classification validates K-State's mission while opening doors to expand impact and collaboration.
This classification provides:
Selected signature partnerships
The Carnegie Foundation Community Engagement Elective Classification application highlights a selection of significant collaborations, designated as Signature Partnerships, in recognition of their sustained impact and strategic importance.
The following 14 initiatives have been selected to represent our ongoing commitment to community engagement and institutional collaboration.
Research and innovation
Healthcare and veterinary services
Education and lifelong learning
Community development
Military and global partnerships
Agricultural innovation
These partnerships represent just a selection of K-State's extensive community engagement portfolio, showcasing our commitment to collaborative problem-solving and mutual benefit for university and community stakeholders.