ECU Achieves R1 Status: What It Means for You | R1 Designation | ECU
ECU Achieves R1 Status: What It Means for You
East Carolina University is now an R1 research institution,
a designation given to the
top research universities in the U.S.
by
the American Council on Education (ACE)
and
Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.
This is the
highest level of research excellence
, awarded to schools with the most funding, faculty-led research and graduate programs, placing ECU among
5% of institutions in the nation
that hold the R1 designation.
ECU’s R1 status
strengthens our mission to serve
— across our state and around the globe.
We are not just shaping the future. We’re leading the way toward it.
From the Chancellor: A Milestone in ECU’s Journey of Discovery
Why Does R1 Status Matter?
For Students
More funding for research, scholarships and hands-on learning.
Stronger career opportunities with an R1 degree.
For Faculty & Researchers
Enhanced competitiveness for funding from federal agencies and private partners.
More opportunities for cutting-edge research and collaboration.
For Eastern North Carolina
Brings new businesses and jobs to the region.
Supports community-based research and innovation.
ECU’s Research at a Glance
beenhere
$326.9M
in sponsored awards (4-year total)
show_chart
$67.1M
in research expenditures (2023)
account_balance
420 faculty
received funding for research
school
546 graduate students
conducting research
monetization_on
$8.9M
in graduate research funding (2024)
Hear from Our Researchers
What I Do at ECU Videos
Dr. Nathan Hudson
Dr. Eric Soule
Dr. Christine Habeeb
Research & Creative Activity Award Winner Feature Videos
Dr. Xiaoping Pan
Dr. Joseph Houmard
Dr. Angela Lamson
Dr. Jessica Christie
Other Research Highlights
M.A.R.C. Maximizing Access to Research Careers
ECU CUREs (Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences)
Researcher Toolkit
Powerpoint template ECU-R1 Top-Tier Research (pptx)
Zoom/Teams Background
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