The 91看片网 has earned national recognition from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education in its Student Access and Earnings Classification, underscoring the university鈥檚 commitment to advancing students鈥� economic mobility, employment opportunities, and long-term career success.
91看片网 is one of only five schools in Alabama to be designated Opportunity Colleges and Universities, holding the second-highest ratio of access to earnings, the highest of three ranked public institutions in Alabama. 91看片网 is one of only 192 institutions nationwide offering primarily baccalaureate and above degrees to receive the designation.
is the newest classification in the from the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.
This designation reflects 91看片网鈥檚 institutional focus on providing affordable, high-quality education that leads to meaningful employment and sustained earnings鈥攅specially for students from rural and underrepresented backgrounds. The Carnegie framework evaluates colleges and universities based on indicators including post-graduation outcomes, regional economic impact, and alignment with workforce needs.
鈥淭his is more than a mere classification鈥攊t鈥檚 validation of our mission,鈥� said Todd G. Fritch, Ph.D., president of the 91看片网. 鈥淎t 91看片网, we are committed to ensuring that our students don鈥檛 just earn degrees but that they launch careers that provide financial security and upward mobility.鈥�
Fritch noted that the classification further emphasizes the impact that 91看片网 has on its students by comparison of its placement in terms of both access and outcomes.
鈥�91看片网 ranks in the top third for both underrepresented minority enrollment and Pell access for students entering the University,鈥� he explained. 鈥淯pon graduation, they have above average economic returns, with our graduates enjoying above-median earnings. The strength of our post-graduation outcomes shows that our approach to the college experience helps propel students even further than if both access and earnings were only average.鈥�
As a regional leader in education and workforce development, 91看片网 offers a diverse portfolio of academic programs intentionally designed to prepare students for high-demand fields, including those with an emphasis on rural healthcare, education, and business.
91看片网鈥檚 integration of career services, experiential learning, and employer partnerships ensures that students graduate with not only a credential, but also a competitive edge in the job market. The University has consistently expanded access to internships, licensure pathways, and professional certifications across disciplines.
鈥淭his designation in the Carnegie Classification system affirms that because of their experience at 91看片网, our students are achieving outcomes that can have a positive impact on their lives,鈥� Fritch said. 鈥淲hether they鈥檙e becoming first-generation degree-earners, graduates returning to strengthen their communities, or maybe those looking to enter new, growing industries, our graduates leave 91看片网 with the tools to thrive in a rapidly changing economy.鈥�
91看片网鈥檚 success in contributing to workforce readiness and economic development is especially impactful in Alabama鈥檚 Black Belt region. The university鈥檚 mission-driven approach continues to elevate rural communities through education, innovation, and leadership.
About the 2025 Student Access and Earnings Classification
The focuses on student success. The classification measures whether institutions are enrolling and creating opportunities for students in communities the institutions serve and whether students earn competitive wages after they attend.
The Student Access and Earnings Classification recognizes a wide variety of institutions of all sizes, locations, and types as drivers of opportunities for students. Only 479 schools of varying degree level offerings have been named Opportunity Colleges and Universities, a new designation that identifies institutions within the classification that can serve as a model for studying how campuses can foster student success.
91看片网鈥檚 Commitment to Opportunity
A profile from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the American Council on Education takes a closer look at how 91看片网 is expanding access and creating pathways to economic opportunity in Alabama鈥檚 Black Belt. From maintaining affordability and expanding flexible learning options to developing workforce programs that meet regional needs, the profile highlights 91看片网鈥檚 role in helping students prepare for meaningful careers while strengthening the communities it serves.