Michigan Technological University has been designated as an R1 research institution by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, formally placing Tech among the top research universities in the United States.
Since 1970, the Carnegie Classification has been the leading framework for comparing and grouping accredited and degree-granting institutions. Carnegie's prestigious R1 status is awarded to doctoral universities for excellence in research activities at the highest level. In 2025, of the more than 4,000 degree-granting institutions nationwide, only 187 are recognized as R1 universities.
"By remaining true to the mission of Michigan Tech's founding charter, we've joined the top tier of the nation's research institutions while serving the needs of Michigan industry. While we did not change who we are or what we do in pursuit of R1 designation, we are certainly proud to be recognized for the exemplary work our faculty and staff are doing in research and education, and we are excited for the opportunities that R1 status brings."
The distinction makes Michigan Tech the fourth R1 university in Michigan — joining the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Michigan State University and Wayne State University. Based in Houghton in the Upper Peninsula, Tech is also the only R1 institution in Michigan located in a rural area.
"Today, the world gets to learn what Michiganders have known for a long time — Michigan Tech is one of the world's greatest research universities," said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. "I'm so proud of all the students, faculty, staff and administrators who worked so hard to earn this extraordinary distinction, making Tech one of the 187 most elite campuses for R&D in the world. Michigan is a global hub for innovation, and we'll keep betting on our young, ambitious people to lead the world."
For decades, Michigan Tech researchers have leveraged the University's unique location in the Keweenaw Peninsula to Tech's advantage, pioneering interdisciplinary, place-based research and development at renowned research centers like the Great Lakes Research Center and the Keweenaw Research Center. The University also continues to grow our research presence downstate, leading and supporting impactful work at the Michigan Tech Research Institute in Ann Arbor, the American Center for Mobility in Ypsilanti, the Translational Health Engineering Research Center in Grand Rapids, and elsewhere.
"The culture of innovation people associate with our state largely originates in Michigan's public universities," said Koubek. "Michigan Tech becoming the state's fourth R1 university will only enhance that innovative spirit and drive, and will give the state a significant competitive edge."
R1 designation is far more than a formal recognition of Tech's strong research portfolio, however. Vice President for Research Andrew Barnard said it will open many new doors. R1 status is a major factor in attracting faculty and students of the highest caliber, and will allow the University to partner with peer universities to secure larger, more prestigious funding awards. R1 classification will also further enhance Michigan Tech's outstanding undergraduate educational experience by expanding the opportunities for Huskies to conduct undergraduate research.
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$106.9MUniversity research expenditures for FY24 (preliminary)
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85average number of doctoral degrees awarded annually since 2016
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300%growth in annual research expenditures since 2004
"Inspired by a collegial campus community and the breathtaking natural beauty of our area, Michigan Tech forges cutting-edge basic and applied research, leading to real-world applied solutions for individuals, communities and society," said Barnard. "Faculty, staff and students who do work here have a measurable impact on communities stretching from the Keweenaw around the globe."
Michigan Tech's research expenditures have grown steadily for the last decade, surpassing $100 million in each of the last two years. In the most current data from 2022, the University had the most invention disclosures per $10 million in expenditures out of all other Michigan universities and also outpaced Stanford and Georgia Tech. The momentum of Michigan Tech's research enterprise is building on more than a century of cutting-edge work, and the hallmarks of Michigan Tech research since our founding in 1885 — industry support, interdisciplinary collaboration, practical utility and innovation — will only continue to strengthen in the University's dawning R1 era.
"R1 classification officially puts us right where we belong: among the select, leading research institutions in the world. It's a testament to the important work that Michigan Tech researchers have been leading for decades — and that we will continue leading in the decades ahead."
U.S. Sen. Elissa Slotkin, U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman, Michigan Sen. Ed McBroom and Michigan Reps. Greg Markkanen and Karl Bohnak all celebrated the University’s R1 classification and what it means for the Upper Peninsula and for Michigan.
"Michigan universities lead the nation in talent and pathbreaking research, and this national designation is a tremendous achievement for Michigan Technological University,” said Slotkin. “From the early days of the Michigan College of Mining and Technology, the staff and students of Tech have been at the forefront of nationally important research, pioneering advancements in everything from sustainable energy to autonomous systems and beyond. I look forward to seeing the incredible discoveries that will emerge from Michigan Tech in the years to come."
"Michigan Tech has always been a premier research institution, providing both academic rigor and real-world career prep for their students," said Bergman. "I offer to them my congratulations for receiving the R1 designation from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education — it's a well-deserved classification. I know Michigan Tech will continue to be exemplary in every way, and I'm glad to see them officially recognized among the top research universities in the country."
"I am pleased and proud to see Michigan Tech earn this recognition at last," said McBroom. "MTU continues to show everyone what the U.P. spirit of hard work, efficiency and diligence can accomplish. While so much of the higher education world gets distracted by pride and bureaucracy, MTU is focused on education and excellence, making their graduates and results stand out around the world."
"We already knew that Michigan Tech is one of the best universities in the country; achieving this remarkable classification just makes it all the clearer," said Markkanen. "Their dedication to teaching our kids, conducting excellent research and giving back to nearby communities is something we should all be proud of. This classification will help Michigan Tech attract the best and brightest from across our country to come to the Upper Peninsula and make Michigan Tech their home for the duration of their educational journey."
"Michigan Tech's designation as an R1 institution is a prestigious honor for a great research university," said Bohnak. "This well-deserved title is also a boon for the Copper Country and the entire Upper Peninsula."
Michigan Technological University is an R1 public research university founded in 1885 in Houghton, and is home to nearly 7,500 students from more than 60 countries around the world. Consistently ranked among the best universities in the country for return on investment, Michigan's flagship technological university offers more than 120 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in science and technology, engineering, computing, forestry, business, health professions, humanities, mathematics, social sciences, and the arts. The rural campus is situated just miles from Lake Superior in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, offering year-round opportunities for outdoor adventure.
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