Texas State is on pace to reach R1 status by 2027, opening doors to more funding and opportunities for students. By achieving higher levels of research output, new pathways open, but this push could come with challenges.
While Texas State stands to benefit from R1, a classification indicating a high level of research activity, it should not come at the expense of quality research or doctoral students.
R1 status is awarded based on Carnegie requirements, including $50 million in research investments and at least 70 doctoral graduates each year. Texas State has already surpassed both metrics and must continue pace for the rest of the year to be designated as an R1 institution, which is likely to happen.
The benefits make Texas State’s push look reasonable and calculated. Achieving R1 status puts the university among the top research institutions. Only 187 universities, 16 of which are in Texas, hold R1 status as of 2025. The Texas State University System (TSUS) also values R1 status and cited improving research activity as a reason for hiring Texas State President Kelly Damphousse in 2022. However with the expectation of metrics being met, shortcuts could occur.
Another key benefit from R1 status is new funding opportunities that open for the university. R1 qualifies Texas State for funds from the National Research University Fund (NRUF), which could double research grants and make more resources available. With the ongoing threat of funding cuts and downturn in government grants, research grants become even more desirable.
These advantages make it clear as to why administration and faculty are making this push a “run,” rather than keeping a steady pace.
On the flip side, there comes important considerations and risks. The Carnegie classifications require certain metrics to be met, which could push universities to prioritize metrics over quality research. The main risk comes for doctoral students. Due to 70 graduated PhD students being required each year, speed could be prioritized over academics.
Texas State is increasing the amount of graduated PhD students, to meet metrics, but sacrifices should not be made. Since Damphousse was brought in as president, the doctoral degrees awarded have increased from 49 in 2021-22 to 90 in 2024-25. With the university also advertising PhD degree programs that can be completed in three years, far below the national average.
Coursera estimates the average doctoral program takes 4 to 7 years. For some programs this varies due to different standards needed within each, but a longer completion time is usually attributed the extensive work needed for a PhD program. Time in their fields, publications and conferences are all useful for students to secure jobs post-graduation.
Additionally, according to post-degree outcomes from Career Services, 30% of master’s and doctoral students are still seeking jobs post-graduation. The job market is currently experiencing a dip in unemployment making it harder to find good jobs. Rushing graduation can put doctoral students at a disadvantage in the job market, reducing their chances of employment even further in an already uncertain market.
With the expected 81 doctoral graduates, and a record 136 new enrolled doctoral students, Texas State must ensure that students are fully prepared upon graduation.
Texas State has already indicated that it does not want academic integrity to falter, according to its strategic vision on R1.
According to a quote from Damphousse on Texas State’s website, “Texas State has achieved remarkable research and enrollment growth over the years without losing our unique identity … without sacrificing the emphasis on quality teaching. Our goal cannot be to trade our teaching mission for our research mission.”
Texas State must uphold quality academics on its Run to R1. The designation will bring new opportunities for students and the university, but it cannot come at the expense of education.
-Shar Kiefer is a political science junior
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