IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — College of Eastern Idaho (CEI) is proud to announce that it has been recognized as an Opportunity College and University by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education for 2025 — making CEI the only institution in Idaho and one of just 479 schools nationwide to receive this prestigious new designation.

The new Student Access and Earnings Classification highlights colleges and universities that are driving student success by providing strong pathways for access, education, and career outcomes. Institutions named Opportunity Colleges and Universities serve as national models for how higher education can create meaningful opportunities for students from all backgrounds.

President of CEI, Dr. Lori Barber is beyond excited at this designation. Barber stated, “This recognition from the Carnegie Foundation highlights the incredible progress College of Eastern Idaho has made in expanding access and opportunity. In just a few short years, CEI has grown into a vital engine of education and economic mobility in our region. Being the only institution in Idaho to receive this designation speaks volumes about the commitment of our faculty, staff, and community to helping students succeed in the classroom and beyond.”

In addition to the Opportunity designation, CEI also received Idaho’s highest ranking under Carnegie’s new Institutional Classification framework, which complements the Student Access and Earnings Classification.

The Carnegie Classification® system is the leading framework for recognizing and describing institutional diversity in U.S. higher education. First developed in 1970 by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education, the framework has been updated every three years to reflect the evolving landscape of colleges and universities across the country.

This year’s new classifications place a strong emphasis on measuring the impact institutions have on student access, equity, and post-graduation earnings — aligning closely with CEI’s mission to foster educational and economic mobility for the eastern Idaho community and beyond.