FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 23, 2025
A new Student Access and Earnings Classification recognizes institutions that foster opportunities for student success
Laurel, MD—Capitol Technology University has been designated as an Opportunity University by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education®, a new ranking given to only 16% of all U.S. colleges and universities in 2025.
The Opportunity Colleges and Universities designation is part of a newly developed Student Access and Earnings Classification published this year by the Carnegie Foundation and the American Council on Education (ACE). This new classification examines the how well institutions foster opportunities for student success by measuring whether they are enrolling students who reflect the communities they serve, and how the earnings of those students compare to peers in their area. Capitol Tech and other schools in this top category “can serve as a model for studying how campuses can foster student success,” the Carnegie Foundation and ACE said.
Capitol Tech graduates are achieving remarkable success in the workforce, with salary earnings that surpass those of their peers from other Maryland institutions. According to this data, Capitol Tech alumni earn a median salary of $83,027 within eight years post-graduation, reflecting the university's commitment to providing career-focused technology-based education.
“Our mission has always been to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in high-demand STEM fields,” said Dr. Bradford Sims, President of Capitol Technology University. “These earnings outcomes validate our approach and underscore the value of a Capitol Tech education.”
Capitol Tech employs their strategy for student success from day one, offering a core curriculum with expert faculty that emphasizes practical experience and industry alignment, as well as establishing strong partnerships with government agencies and leading tech employers. In addition, the university offers a unique guarantee called the Capitol Commitment that demonstrates this dedication: undergraduates will receive a job offer with at least a $60,000 annual salary within 90 days of graduation.
Capitol Tech's performance in the Carnegie Student Access and Earnings Classification and other studies on student earning potential continues to prove the promise behind this guarantee and positions the university as a leader in return on investment (ROI) for students among higher education institutions in Maryland and nationwide.
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About Capitol Technology University
Capitol Technology University is a leading nonprofit STEM university located in Laurel, MD in the vibrant Washington, DC metropolitan area. The university’s mission is to educate individuals for successful professional careers in STEM research, engineering, management, and business by providing relevant learning experiences. Through industry-expert faculty, technical skills development, and innovative partnerships, Capitol Tech fosters career advancement opportunities for the evolving global community. Visit www.captechu.edu to learn more.
About the Carnegie Classification
The Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education® is the leading framework for recognizing and describing institutional diversity in U.S. higher education. The Carnegie Commission on Higher Education developed the classification in 1973 to support its program of research and policy analysis, and it was updated in 1976, 1987, 1994, 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, 2018, 2021, and 2025 to reflect changes among colleges and universities. It will next be updated in 2028, with subsequent updates every three years.
About the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching
The mission of the Carnegie Foundation is to catalyze transformational change in education so that every student has the opportunity to live a healthy, dignified, and fulfilling life. Enacted by an act of Congress in 1906, the Foundation has a rich history of driving transformational change in the education sector, including the establishment of TIAA-CREF and the creation of the Education Testing Service, the GRE, Pell Grants, and the Carnegie Classifications for Higher Education.
About the American Council on Education (ACE)
The American Council on Education (ACE) unites and leads higher education institutions toward a shared vision for the future. With more than 1,600 member colleges, universities, and associations, ACE designs solutions for today’s challenges and advances public policy to support a diverse and dynamic higher education sector. Learn more at www.acenet.edu or follow ACE on X (formerly Twitter) @ACEducation and LinkedIn american-council-on-education.
Media Contacts
Jack Chielli
VP of Enrollment and Marketing
Capitol Technology University
jchielli@captechu.edu
Lise Dykes
Director of Communications and Creative Strategy
Capitol Technology University
ldykes@captechu.edu
Jon Riskind
Vice President, Public Affairs and Strategic Communications
American Council on Education
jriskind@acenet.edu
Kito Cetrulo
Managing Director, Communications and Engagement
Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching
kcetrulo@carnegiefoundation.org