Clemson University’s status as one of the nation’s most active research institutions has been affirmed by the Carnegie Classification system.
Clemson earned the designation “Research 1: Very High Spending and Doctorate Production,” or R1, by the Carnegie Classification released Feb. 13. Clemson reported $334 million in total research and development expenditures for the most recent fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, and awarded 324 Ph.D.s from December 2023 through August 2024.
“Our continued recognition as a Carnegie R1 research institution is a testament to the incredible work of our faculty, staff and students and their dedication to making a positive difference in the lives of people across the state of South Carolina and beyond,” said University President Jim Clements. “Research has been a key part of our University’s mission since our founding in 1889 and continues to drive innovation, lead workforce development, and elevate our communities.”
The University has doubled its research activity since 2013, supporting innovation and workforce development in the local automotive, energy, manufacturing, health, education and agriculture industries, among others. Research is a pillar of the institution’s Clemson Elevate strategic plan and part of Clemson’s $6.4 billion economic impact across South Carolina.
“Our research enterprise continues to grow, providing innovation to support our local, state and regional economies while nurturing a workforce that is ready to lead their fields into the future,” said Tanju Karanfil, senior vice president for research, scholarship and creative endeavors. “Research is engrained in the student experience at Clemson and key to our mission of transforming lives statewide and beyond.”
The classifications are published every three years by the American Council on Education (ACE) and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. Research institutions are grouped into three categories based on expenditures and doctorate production: R1, R2 and Research Colleges and Universities. Clemson is among 187 institutions to receive the R1 designation.
Clemson first earned Carnegie R1 classification in 2016.