While some rankings for higher educational institutions are based on enrollment numbers and degree opportunities, the recent designation of an Opportunity College by the Carnegie Classification stems from an evaluation of what NSU students have done after graduation. According to Carnegie, NSU is more profession-focused and its alumni are likely to earn more than their contemporaries.

“The data shows NSU is doing very well,” said Ronald Chenail, Ph.D., NSU executive vice president, provost, and chief academic officer. “We’re the only institution in the country that’s a private, R1 research, profession-focused, opportunity college. We’re not bragging if it’s true.”

The Carnegie Classification is based on data from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), which collects data annually from every college, university, and technical and vocational institution that participates in federal student financial aid programs. When compared to other profession-focused institutions, taking into consideration our multiple locations and variety of delivery systems, NSU ranks highly and that’s why it was designated an Opportunity University.

While this recognition is noteworthy and certainly a selling point for the school, NSU has always been known for the opportunities it provides students, especially in helping them prepare to be career ready. Our faculty members connect and focus on our students, sharing their professional experiences and providing a positive outlook. Whatever challenges or new technologies arise, NSU finds a solution that maintains those relationships.

“That’s been a big part of our culture, to embrace whatever is next—large data sets, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence,” Chenail said. “We find out how to use it best, build it into our research, and pass that on to our students.”