The University of Idaho has been classified as an R1 institution in the 2025 Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. This designation recognizes the university as one of the top research institutions in the nation, becoming the first in Idaho to achieve this status. The R1 classification is awarded to institutions demonstrating “very high research activity” and is held by less than 4% of U.S. higher education institutions.

Achieving the R1 designation has been a priority for President Scott Green since he took office in Moscow six years ago. To qualify, an institution must have a minimum of $30 million in annual research expenditures and award at least 70 research doctorates each year. For fiscal year 2023, the University of Idaho reported nearly $140 million in research spending and awarded 80 research doctorates.