Jacksonville, AL – Jacksonville State University has received national distinction in the newly redesigned 2025 Carnegie Classifications, released today by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the American Council on Education. The university was honored in both the updated Institutional Classification and the new Student Access and Earnings Classification, recognizing its academic offerings and student success outcomes.
JSU has been classified as a Professions-Focused Undergraduate/Graduate-Doctorate Medium institution—an exclusive designation held by only 135 colleges and universities nationwide, accounting for just 3% of U.S. higher education institutions. This classification acknowledges JSU’s wide array of professional degree programs across multiple levels and its enrollment size, which ranges between 4,000 and 20,000 students.
Further distinguishing itself, Jacksonville State has been named one of the nation’s Opportunity Colleges and Universities—Higher Access, Higher Earnings in the inaugural Student Access and Earnings Classification. This elite category spotlights institutions that not only provide educational access to historically underserved populations but also support their graduates in achieving higher-than-average earnings compared to regional peers. Only 16% of U.S. institutions received this designation.
“This recognition from the Carnegie Foundation reflects our mission and momentum here at Jacksonville State University,” said JSU President Dr. Don C. Killingsworth, Jr. “We’re committed to providing meaningful access, offering degrees that lead to real opportunity, and supporting our students every step of the way. It’s an honor to be named among the institutions leading the way in access and outcomes and it affirms the impact we’re making in the lives of our students and the communities we serve.”
The 2025 update marks the most substantial redesign of the Carnegie Classifications in over a decade. The revised Institutional Classification more accurately reflects a school’s academic focus, degree levels, and enrollment size. The new Student Access and Earnings Classification—developed in collaboration with the U.S. Census Bureau and the Department of Education—leverages federal data to measure how colleges foster economic mobility and equity within their regions.
To explore Jacksonville State University’s profile in the Carnegie Classifications, visit:
https://carnegieclassifications.acenet.edu/institution/jacksonville-state-university
To learn more about the Carnegie Classifications redesign, visit:
https://carnegieclassifications.acenet.edu/news/carnegie-classifications-redesign-better-reflects-the-higher-education-landscape-and-recognizes-student-success
