Mercer Times

The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) has achieved a new classification under the Carnegie Classification system, recognizing its commitment to research. This designation, known as "Research Colleges and Universities," is awarded by the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.

To qualify for this classification, institutions must allocate at least $2.5 million annually to research and development expenditures from both external and internal funding sources. According to data from the Higher Education Research and Development survey, TCNJ averaged $2,672,333 in research spending between 2021 and 2023.

"This classification is a testament to the well-defined teacher-scholar model in place at TCNJ, and the investment the college has made through direct support for faculty and students with programs like SOSA and MUSE," stated Amy Cuhel-Schuckers, director of grants and sponsored research at TCNJ.

Abby O’Connor, professor of chemistry and president of the TCNJ faculty senate, emphasized that this reclassification could play a significant role in attracting students interested in diverse research opportunities. "We have great retention and student success metrics because of our authentic research experiences for students," she explained. She highlighted various programs ranging from chemistry labs to global engagement initiatives as examples.

Furthermore, O’Connor noted that the new classification would appeal to faculty eager to engage with students on research projects. "As a faculty member, you can come to TCNJ and conduct meaningful research... This reclassification will help get TCNJ’s name in front of a broader community to see the impact of the research we do here."

The Carnegie Classification serves as a key framework for acknowledging institutional diversity within U.S. higher education. Initially published in 1973, it undergoes updates every three years to reflect changes among educational institutions.