UMass Boston Achieves R1 Designation
In 2025, the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education recognized UMass Boston with its top designation for research: Research 1 (R1). On average in a single year, R1 institutions spend at least $50 million on research and development and confer 70 or more research doctorates. UMass Boston has surpassed these thresholds.
As a public research university with a teaching soul, reaching the prestigious R1 designation aligns with UMass Boston’s vision and speaks to the dedication of our outstanding faculty, staff, and students. In the last decade, the University has grown its research enterprise, trained students, and made remarkable advances and discoveries in a wide variety of fields.
UMass Boston is #1 in the U.S. for Student Access to Top-Tier Research
The Carnegie Foundation classifies UMass Boston as an R1 or top-tier national university performing the highest level of research—and ranks it highest among R1 universities for the degree of research access provided to students across socio-economic categories. In other words, at UMass Boston, students don’t have to choose between opportunity and excellence.
UMass Boston offers undergraduates direct access to faculty-led research, internships, and applied learning experiences to prepare for success in careers, graduate study, and civic leadership.
