13 Marian University Becomes Nation’s First Franciscan Research University

Marian University has been designated as a Research University in the latest Carnegie Classification, marking a significant milestone in its academic and research growth. This distinction makes Marian University the first Franciscan research university in the U.S..

“This recognition affirms our commitment to faculty-led, student-driven research while staying true to our Catholic and Franciscan mission,” said Dan Elsener, President of Marian University. “As a private Catholic university, this designation carries additional significance—demonstrating that faith-based institutions can be at the forefront of rigorous research while maintaining their commitment to values, ethics, and student formation. We are a research university – but doing it the Marian Way.”

A Rising Research Institution

• Recognized as a Research College or University (RCU) under Carnegie’s new classification.

• One of only four private, national doctoral universities among the newest 62 to achieve research university status.

• External research funding has grown from a few thousand dollars in 2014 to a portfolio exceeding $5 million in 2024.

• Over 273 scholars (167 students, 106 faculty/staff) have published 300+ research articles in the last three years.

Path to R2 Status

Marian University surpassed $3 million in research expenditures in 2023 and met the financial threshold for R2 designation ($5 million annual expenditures, 20+ research doctorates) in 2024. It is on track to achieve R2 status in the 2028 Carnegie rankings, joining Ball State as one of Indiana’s few R2 institutions.

Advancing Marian’s Mission

Marian University’s commitment to research has grown rapidly. In 2021, it became a national doctoral university, and the Board of Trustees formally added “research and scholarly activity” to its mission statement for the first time in its 170+ year history.

“As the only faith-based research university in Central Indiana, we integrate scholarly inquiry with our Catholic and Franciscan values,” said Jonathan Lowery PhD, Assistant Provost for Research and Scholarship at Marian University. “This designation affirms that research and faith-based education work together to drive meaningful impact. As a private Catholic university, we are proving that high-caliber research can thrive within an institution rooted in service, ethics, and spiritual development.”

With this recognition, Marian University continues to lead in faith-based academic innovation, setting new standards for research excellence.