The University of South Carolina Upstate has received national recognition in the 2025 Carnegie Classifications, earning two distinctions that reflect the university’s emphasis on career-focused education and its commitment to expanding access and opportunity for students.
USC Upstate was designated a “Professions-focused Baccalaureate Medium” institution in the 2025 Institutional Classification. The recognition places the university among just 53 institutions nationwide—representing about 1 percent of U.S. colleges and universities—that offer a concentrated range of professional baccalaureate programs with a medium enrollment size.
In a second designation, the university was named a “Higher Access, Medium Earnings” institution in the new Student Access and Earnings Classification. This classification considers enrollment rates of Pell Grant recipients and underrepresented students, as well as median earnings eight years after attendance. USC Upstate is one of 1,321 institutions to receive the designation, representing 43 percent of those evaluated.
“These distinctions reflect our mission to deliver high-impact academic programs that open doors for our students,” Chancellor Bennie L. Harris said. “We’re proud to be recognized for the meaningful outcomes our graduates achieve and for the role we play in strengthening communities across the Upstate and beyond.”
Pamela Steinke, provost and senior vice chancellor for academic affairs, said the classifications align closely with USC Upstate’s identity and goals.
“The 2025 Carnegie Classifications affirm our purpose as a public, regional university,” Steinke said. “Our classification as a Professions-focused Baccalaureate Medium institution highlights our commitment to preparing a career-ready workforce. Being named a Higher Access, Medium Earnings institution also speaks to the progress we’re making in creating real pathways to economic opportunity.”
The Carnegie Classifications are based on data from the 2020 to 2023 academic years and rely on publicly available sources, including the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard and the U.S. Census Bureau.
The 2025 update marks a shift in the classification system with the introduction of the Student Access and Earnings category. The new measure is intended to assess how well institutions reflect and serve their communities, with an emphasis on equity and long-term outcomes.
A full list of classified institutions is available at carnegieclassifications.acenet.edu.