April 30, 2025 - CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) has received the “Opportunity Colleges
and Universities” designation from the American Council on Education (ACE) and the
Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.
The designation means that CSUCI is among the nation’s model institutions of higher learning when it comes to helping students succeed and increase their socioeconomic standing.
The designation is part of the newly developed Student Access and Earnings Classification, which measures universities on whether their student enrollment reflects the communities they serve and how graduates’ earnings compare to peers in their region.
“Hundreds of institutions nationwide are providing students an excellent opportunity to use higher education as a springboard to a better life,” said Ted Mitchell, president of ACE. “The Student Access and Earnings Classification highlights the depth and breadth of schools where student success is front and center.”
The Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education is viewed as a gold standard by policymakers, researchers and philanthropists when making decisions about various colleges and universities.
“CSUCI’s recognition as an Opportunity College or University affirms what we know to be true: talent exists everywhere and it is our responsibility to nurture it,” said Interim CSUCI Provost Jessica Lavariega Monforti. “It underscores our belief in the transformative power of education to change lives, strengthen communities and build a more just and prosperous future.”
Lavariega Monforti added that the designation also underscores the University’s commitment to expanding equitable access, fostering student success and empowering the next generation of leaders in our region and beyond.
CSUCI is among 15 CSUs and 479 institutions nationwide to receive the Opportunity Colleges and Universities designation.
“The new Carnegie Classification for Student Access and Earnings is closely aligned with our core educational mission, and we’re pleased that it affirms what we’ve long known: that the CSU is a national leader in inclusive excellence and driving social mobility,” said CSU Chancellor Mildred García. “We take great pride in serving and empowering students from all walks of life to achieve economic independence and meaningful careers. This new classification underscores the profound impact of our mission and will help us strengthen and expand our life-changing work.”
This is the second Carnegie Designation CSUCI has received this semester. In February the University also received a “Research Colleges and Universities” or “RCU” designation from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education in recognition of the University’s dedication to student and faculty research.
Additional information on the new 2025 Student Earnings and Access Classifications, including the methodology, can be found .