The University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) has been named an Opportunity College and University (OCU) by the prestigious Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, a designation that places UAM among the top 16 percent of colleges and universities nationwide committed to advancing student success.
UAM is one of just two four-year institutions in Arkansas to receive the honor, which is part of the newly developed Student Access and Earnings Classification. Developed by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the American Council on Education, this new classification highlights how well institutions serve students from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds—including Pell Grant recipients—and how graduates perform in the workforce eight years after enrollment.
UAM exceeded national benchmarks in both access and earnings, reinforcing its role as a leader in fostering student achievement and long-term success.
“This recognition affirms the University of Arkansas at Monticello’s commitment to providing meaningful access to higher education for students across the state and beyond,” said Dr. Peggy Doss, chancellor of UAM. “We’re proud that the work we do every day to support student achievement and long-term success is being acknowledged on a national level. At UAM, we believe in the power of education to change lives, and this designation reflects that mission in action.”
The OCU designation stems from updated data in the 2025 Institutional Classification, which provides a broader evaluation of colleges and universities. It includes criteria such as degree levels awarded, areas of academic concentration, and overall student enrollment.
To learn more about the 2025 Student Earnings and Access Classifications, visit the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education website.
