Michigan Tech classified as R1 research institution

HOUGHTON, Mich. (WLUC) - Michigan Technological University (MTU) is being recognized as one of the top research universities in the country.

The Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education designated the university as an R1 research institution. That means Tech is officially one of the 5% of research universities in the U.S.

Michigan Tech Vice President for Research Andrew Barnard says the classification could open new doors for the university.

“It’s going to be a major factor in attracting faculty and students,” said Barnard. “Particularly graduate students pay very close attention to R1 rankings because most graduate students are going to graduate school in order to do research. Now, being in that top class, that puts us on better footing when we’re recruiting graduate students.”

Tech is the fourth R1 university in Michigan – joining Wayne State University, the University of Michigan, and Michigan State University.