An official recognition, classification, or status awarded to a college, university, or other educational institution based on specific characteristics, mission, performance, populations served, or demonstrated achievement. Designations may be established by federal or state governments, accrediting organizations, higher education associations, nonprofit organizations, or other recognized entities. Institutional designations serve many purposes, including identifying institutions that meet statutory eligibility requirements, recognizing excellence in specific areas, supporting public policy priorities, informing students and employers, and encouraging institutional improvement.

Examples:

• Federal designations: Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
• Mission- or learner-focused designations:  Land-Grant Universities, Age-Friendly Universities, Adult learner-friendly institutions
• Research classifications: Carnegie's R1 designation
• State recognition programs: Colorado's First-Generation Serving Institution, Career Connected Campus, Basic Needs Campus, and Thriving Institutions designations.

As states and organizations increasingly seek to recognize institutional strengths beyond traditional accreditation and rankings, institutional designation programs are becoming an important policy and quality-improvement strategy across higher education.

See Topic Brief: Institutional Designations in Higher Education | Learn & Work Ecosystem Library