Southern Connecticut State University has been awarded a second prestigious recognition from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the American Council on Education (ACE). Following its designation earlier this year as Connecticut’s only Research II (R2) university, SCSU has now been named to the 2025 Student Access and Earnings Classification—a data-driven framework spotlighting institutions that expand access to higher education and support strong post-graduate outcomes.
Southern is classified as a Higher Access, Medium Earnings institution—placing it among 1,321 colleges and universities nationwide recognized for enrolling a racially, ethnically, and socioeconomically diverse student body, and for supporting graduates across a wide range of career paths.
“This recognition reflects our mission-driven commitment to equity and opportunity,” said Interim President Dwayne Smith. “We prepare students for meaningful careers—many of which serve the public good, from teaching and social work to health and the arts.”
While SCSU’s alumni bolster many of the state’s essential professions, the university is also expanding its already strong portfolio of high-earning degree offerings in in-demand workforce areas such as nursing, business, STEM, cybersecurity, and health sciences, promoting economic mobility and resilience for future graduates. In addition, Southern’s robust and expanding Career and Professional Development services offer students personalized support—from internships and networking to career coaching—ensuring they are well-prepared to thrive in the workforce.
“Paired with our recent classification as the only High Research Activity University (R2) in the state, this showcases our distinctive position as a provider of access to high-quality scholarship to all Connecticut residents at the undergraduate and graduate level, including the doctoral level,” said Julia Irwin, interim provost and professor of psychology. “Access is a core component of our mission, as education is an engine of social mobility.”
The classification draws on public data from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, IPEDS, and the U.S. Census Bureau, and reflects student outcomes within their regional context.
Southern is one of the few institutions in the country to hold both R2 and Student Access and Earnings classifications.
