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Mount Saint Mary’s University has been named an Opportunity College and University – Higher Access, Higher Earnings in the newly released 2025 Carnegie Classifications of Institutions of Higher Education, a distinction awarded to just 16% of colleges and universities nationwide.

This recognition highlights institutions that excel at enrolling students from lower-income and historically underserved backgrounds and supporting them to achieve strong economic outcomes and long-term career success after graduation. The designation affirms Mount Saint Mary’s long-standing role as a leader in promoting educational opportunity and strong post-graduate outcomes.

“This classification is a powerful validation of the mission that has guided Mount Saint Mary’s for 100 years,” said President Ann McElaney-Johnson. “We are proud to be recognized for our commitment to access and for ensuring our students not only graduate, but thrive professionally and personally.”

The reimagined Carnegie framework, developed by the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, emphasizes real-world student outcomes. It draws from federal data, including the U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and IPEDS, to measure how well institutions support low-income and first-generation students through graduation and into earnings that outpace regional benchmarks.

In addition to the Higher Access, Higher Earnings designation, Mount Saint Mary’s was also classified as a Professions-Focused Undergraduate/Graduate Doctorate Small University, reflecting the institution’s strength in career-aligned programs and real-world learning experiences.

Through personalized academic support, mentoring, leadership development and career-focused opportunities, Mount Saint Mary’s prepares students to succeed in a rapidly changing world — while staying true to its mission of access, opportunity and transformative education.

Explore Mount Saint Mary’s University’s in the 2025 Carnegie Classifications.