Posted: February 13, 2025
Dear Members of the Lehigh Community,
We are pleased to announce that Lehigh has been designated an R1 research university by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Lehigh is recognized among the top cohort of research universities and colleges–only 187 institutions nationwide are classified as R1.
Lehigh has long been known for research that pushes the boundaries of knowledge and innovation. The Carnegie designation is a national acknowledgment that Lehigh is a high-performing research university, working to solve the world’s most pressing issues.
These rankings are based on benchmarks such as the number of research doctorates awarded and the amount of money allocated to research. Each year, R1 institutions invest a minimum of $50 million in research and development and produce at least 70 research doctorates. In 2023, the most recent data available, Lehigh awarded 94 doctorates and spent $56.3 million on research. Although Lehigh has been performing to these standards, this is the first time R1 designation has been awarded.
This work is a product of our outstanding faculty who are leading interdisciplinary teams in conducting groundbreaking research of national prominence. This designation will signal to prospective faculty and researchers that Lehigh is a place to be supported and grow in their careers.
For prospective students, Lehigh is a university with opportunities to participate in and learn about significant research that impacts society, while being guided by faculty who are leaders in their chosen fields.
We look forward to expanding the reach and impact of Lehigh research. I invite you to learn more here.
Joseph J. Helble ’82
President
Nathan Urban
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs