UMKC Achieves National Top-Research University Classification, Ahead of Goal

Posted February 17, 2025

The University of Missouri-Kansas City has achieved a new designation from Carnegie, becoming Kansas City’s first university to reach the classification.

UMKC became Kansas City’s first Carnegie R1 (Research 1) institution. This new classification placed UMKC in the top-ranked group of universities to achieve this title. Out of more than 2,800 four-year institutions, only 187, or 6%, are R1.

To achieve the R1 classification, an institution must spend at least $50 million on research and development and award 70 research doctorates in a year. UMKC spent $55 million and awarded 134 doctorates, according to a release.

“This milestone is a huge victory for all of the Kansas City area and its top research university,” UMKC Chancellor Mauli Agrawal said in the release. “We’ve seen a steady and rapid rise in the excellence of UMKC, thanks to the incredible hard work and drive of our faculty, students, staff and community partners.”

Earning R1 this year puts UMKC ahead of its goal of achieving the designation by 2030.

Other regional universities to reach the R1 designation in 2025 include St. Louis University, the University of Missouri in Columbia, Washington University, the University of Kansas, and Kansas State University.

UMKC is currently leading a national study to combat the rising maternal mortality rate, focusing on pregnant women with heart conditions. The $8.3 million study marks the highest National Institutes of Health funding in UMKC history.

The R1 designation will not only impact UMKC directly through its students and faculty retention but also impact the Kansas City area through economic development, attracting more businesses and jobs.