Penn State Behrend has been recognized with a new Carnegie Classification as a “Higher Earnings” institution, placing it among the top 10% of U.S. colleges and universities whose graduates see strong financial returns eight years after enrollment.

The classification, part of the Student Access and Earnings framework developed by the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, also evaluated student access, making it a significant marker of both value and opportunity.

“This designation reinforces what we consistently hear from our graduates, who find success and competitive compensation in their chosen careers,” said Chancellor Ralph Ford. “That’s vital for students making strategic decisions about their college investment.”

In February, Behrend also received a Carnegie Classification for Research Colleges and Universities, which recognizes institutions that generate at least $2.5 million annually in research spending but do not award Ph.D. degrees. Behrend exceeds that benchmark with nearly $10 million in sponsored research each year.

Research highlights from the past year include:

   •$6.5 million from Pennsylvania’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program to launch the Center for Manufacturing Competitiveness

   •$4.4 million from the Department of Defense and the Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation

   •$2.5 million in federal support for a battery-testing rig to study lithium-ion safety

“Research opportunities are a pillar of Penn State Behrend’s Open Lab model,” Ford added. “They help students gain deeper insight into their fields and make a real impact before they graduate.”