NMSU Achieves R1 Status: What It Means for You

New Mexico State University has achieved R1 status, a prestigious designation awarded to the top research universities in the U.S. by the American Council on Education (ACE) and Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.

The R1 designation represents the highest level of research excellence, recognizing institutions with significant research funding, robust faculty-led research, and strong graduate programs—placing NMSU among the top 5% of universities nationwide.

NMSU’s R1 status propels our mission with new visibility and impact, driving progress across New Mexico and around the world.

We are not just shaping the future. We’re leading the way toward it.

Why Does R1 Status Matter?

Research, Creativity and Economic Development

New Mexico State University is a Land Grant, Space Grant Consortium, and Hispanic Serving Institution founded in 1888 that strives to be a great research university. We seek to excel in student success and social mobility for our diverse student populations, achieve the highest Carnegie research status (R1), and maintain our Carnegie Community Engagement classification.