Cal State Fullerton continues its standing as a strong research institution offering undergraduate- and graduate-level research opportunities.
The university maintains its “Research 2” classification by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, the leading framework for recognizing and describing institutional diversity in U.S. higher education.
The R2 classification means a university must award at least 20 research doctorates and spend at least $5 million on research and development on average in a single year. The Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education designated CSUF an R2 institution in 2022.
“As one of only eight California State Universities to hold the R2 designation, Cal State Fullerton’s continued recognition is proof of the university’s commitment to engaging faculty and students in research, scholarly and creative activities,” said Binod Tiwari, associate vice president for research and sponsored programs. “This recognition continues to expand opportunities for faculty, students and the broader community, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of addressing societal challenges.”
The Carnegie Classifications are published on a three-year cycle. In 2025, the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education updated the name of its R2 category from “High Research Activity” to “High Research Spending and Doctorate Production,” and updated its other Research Activity Designations.
There are now 21 of 23 CSUs recognized by the classification framework. Other CSUs with an R2 designation include Fresno State, Cal State Long Beach and San Francisco State. Cal State LA, Cal Poly Pomona, Sacramento State and San Jose State are new to the Carnegie R2 list for 2025.