Adams State’s ability to increase earning potential for students is reflected in classification

The Carnegie Classification system, a framework for categorizing higher education institutions in the United States, underwent significant changes in 2025. Adams State University is now designated as Higher Access/Medium Earning in the Mixed Undergraduate/Graduate Master’s Small.

The revised approach uses a new methodology to organize institutions with similar campuses. The new system includes two categories: Institutional classification and Student Access and Earnings classification.

“Adams State does very well in assisting students increase their earning potential,” said Provost Margaret Doell, M.F.A.

Generally, institutions are classified based on multiple characteristics, including the types of degrees they award, the subjects in which they award degrees, and the size of the institution.

“We strongly believe in our mission to serve all students, with special attention to those who might not otherwise have the opportunity to earn a higher education degree,” added Provost Doell.

The category Mixed Undergraduate/Graduate-Master’s Small, includes 39 institutions and represents one percent of US colleges and universities in the Institutional Classification.

The 2025 Student Access and Earnings Classification is a new classification, and it examines the extent to which an institution is enrolling students who reflect the communities it serves and whether its students go on to earn competitive wages compared to peers in their area. The Student Access and Earnings Classification aims to spur collaboration and institutional improvement with a focus on how higher education can foster opportunities for student success.

“I appreciate all the faculty, staff, and coaches at Adams State who put forth a considered effort to make sure our students succeed academically and are very well prepared for their future professions,” Provost Doell said. “Adams State has a long history of advancing social mobility and this ranking recognizes that track record.”

The classification is based on data institutions reported to the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), data that was collected by the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Institutions receive two measures: one for access, which is based on the percentage of students who receive Pell Grants and the percentage of undergraduate students who are from underrepresented racial/ethnic backgrounds, and one that is based on undergraduate students’ post-attendance earnings eight years after entering the institution. In the classification, this data has been contextualized to consider local demographic and economic data. Adams State’s classification, Higher Access, Medium Earnings, includes 1321 institutions. This represents 43% of U.S. colleges and universities in the Student Access and Earnings Classification.