Show-Me State Times

Saint Louis University (SLU) has achieved the prestigious R1 status, the highest classification for research activity in U.S. universities. This recognition places SLU among fewer than 190 universities nationwide, affirming its position as a leading research institution.

"Achieving R1 status is a historic milestone for Saint Louis University — a testament to the remarkable dedication of our faculty, students and staff who live our Jesuit mission every day," said SLU President Fred P. Pestello, Ph.D. "This distinction will expand our capacity to pursue truth through life-changing research that serves a higher purpose for the greater good."

To qualify for this classification, universities must spend at least $50 million on research and award a minimum of 70 research doctorates annually. SLU exceeded these requirements with $85.9 million in research expenditures and 271 research doctorates awarded in 2023.

The university's journey to R1 status is the result of a decade-long effort to enhance educational and research excellence since 2014. The institution has focused on fostering collaboration across disciplines and providing new opportunities for addressing urgent challenges.

A significant factor in SLU’s rise was the generosity of donors, including a $50 million gift from Dr. Jeanne and Rex Sinquefield in 2018. This contribution established the SLU Research Institute, which has supported various initiatives such as the Sinquefield Center for Applied Economic Research and other institutes dedicated to health data, drug innovation, and neuroscience.

"Our ascendance to national research prominence has been nothing short of amazing," said University Provost Michael Lewis. "The immense generosity of our donors has allowed us to invest boldly in our research enterprise — recruiting top scholars, expanding interdisciplinary collaboration and building the infrastructure needed to accelerate discovery at SLU."

University leaders view achieving R1 status as beneficial not only for SLU but also for the St. Louis region by fueling innovations that address regional challenges and create economic growth opportunities.

"As the first university west of the Mississippi River, SLU has long been a place where bold ideas take root and flourish," Pestello stated. "Becoming an R1 university enhances our ability to attract leading researchers and scholars who will fuel innovations that drive the growth and success of our region."

SLU researchers are working on developing treatments for chronic ailments, advancing vaccines, improving pain management approaches, enhancing care for aging populations, creating communication tools for DeafBlind individuals, studying bridge safety in Missouri, and using geospatial science to tackle food security issues.

The university's new designation reflects its commitment not only to groundbreaking discovery but also to excellence in teaching within the Jesuit tradition of intellectual rigor.

"For a Jesuit university, research and teaching are not separate pursuits; they are deeply intertwined," Lewis said. "As we elevate our research profile, we’ll continue to ensure that SLU prepares students to not only become experts in their fields but also compassionate leaders who will use their knowledge to make a meaningful difference."

The Carnegie Classification system categorizes U.S. higher education institutions based on criteria like those used by SLU: reported through surveys such as NSF's HERD Survey and IPEDS Completions Survey over recent years.