ANC Named an Opportunity College by Carnegie Foundation

We’re thrilled to share that Aaniiih Nakoda College has been named one of the nation’s Opportunity Colleges and Universities in the redesigned 2025 Carnegie Classifications. This designation recognizes institutions that are expanding access to higher education and supporting student success through strong post-graduation outcomes.

What Is an Opportunity College?

The Opportunity College designation honors campuses that combine higher access with higher earnings. In other words, ANC is not only providing access to education for students we're also equipping students with the skills and credentials they need to thrive in the workforce and earn competitive wages.

Out of thousands of institutions nationwide, only 16% received this recognition, making it a significant distinction. ANC’s inclusion affirms what our students, alumni, and community already know: that our college is a wonderful opportunity for empowerment and long-term success.

Why This Matters

The Carnegie Classifications are widely used by policymakers, researchers, and funders to understand the landscape of higher education. The 2025 update introduces new ways to look at institutions—shifting the focus from prestige and exclusivity to impact, inclusion, and outcomes.

In this latest update, ANC was recognized not only for who we serve, but also for how well we serve our community. According to the Carnegie methodology, Opportunity Colleges like ANC:

• Enroll students who are reflective of the communities they serve.

• Support students in achieving meaningful post-graduation earnings.

  
  

For ANC, this recognition is especially meaningful. It speaks to our mission as a Tribal college rooted in community, culture, and traditional knowledge, and it validates the work our faculty, staff, and students do every day to create a supportive, empowering educational experience.

A Model for Success

Together with like-minded institutions, ANC is showing how commitment to community and academic quality can create lasting impact. By offering affordable, culturally relevant, and academically rigorous programs, we are helping students not only graduate—but thrive.

As we look to the future, this designation inspires us to keep pushing forward. Whether students are training to become teachers, scientists, conservationists, language keepers, or healthcare professionals, ANC remains committed to providing a strong foundation for individual and collective success.

Read More About the Carnegie Foundation Classifications Here