MONTICELLO, Ark. — The University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) has been named an Opportunity College and University (OCU) by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. This distinction places UAM among a select group of 479 colleges and universities — roughly 16 percent nationwide — recognized for their commitment to promoting student success. UAM is one of only two four-year colleges in Arkansas to earn this designation.
The OCU recognition 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 classification evaluates how effectively colleges serve students who reflect the demographics of their local communities — such as Pell Grant recipients and those from underrepresented backgrounds — and measures how graduates fare in the workforce eight years after enrollment. UAM exceeded national benchmarks in both categories, establishing the university as a model for fostering student achievement and long-term success.
Dr. Peggy Doss, chancellor of UAM, stated, “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. 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.”
This classification is based on data from the updated 2025 Institutional Classification, which now offers a broader view of colleges and universities based on factors such as degree levels awarded, areas of academic concentration and overall student enrollment.
For more information about 2025 Student Earnings and Access Classifications, visit the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education website.
