WilmU: A Carnegie Opportunity University
A National Recognition of Student Opportunity and Success
Wilmington University has been designated a Carnegie Opportunity University, a national classification recognizing institutions that expand access to higher education and support positive student outcomes. The Opportunity Colleges and Universities designation is part of a Student Access and Earnings.
Classification published by the Carnegie Foundation and the American Council on Education.
Wilmington University is the only Opportunity University in Delaware, and one of only 478 nationwide.
What the Designation Measures
The Carnegie Opportunity classification evaluates universities on their ability to:
Accreditation ensures many factors that support student success.
Provide educational access and opportunities to students from all backgrounds.
Support academic persistence and guide students to successful degree completion.
Foster post-graduation success and long-term economic mobility.
It also measures whether the institution enrolls students whose backgrounds and circumstances reflect those of the surrounding community and whether those students go on to earn more than their peers in the region. To receive the “Higher Access, Higher Earnings” designation of an Opportunity University, institutions must demonstrate:
- An access ratio of 1 or higher, which indicates that the student body is as diverse or more diverse than the community it serves.
- An earnings ratio of 1.5 or higher, which indicates that graduates earn significantly more than their local high school-only counterparts.
What This Means for You
For prospective students, this designation serves as third-party validation of Wilmington University’s student-centered mission. It highlights an institutional focus on:
- Access via flexible enrollment pathways, credit transfers, and flexible learning formats and support systems designed for non-traditional students, military members, and working professionals.
- Academic Progress supported by resources to assist students in balancing external responsibilities while working toward graduation.
- Professional Outcomes supported by accredited academic programs structured to align directly with career readiness and economic mobility.
Together, these initiatives help students gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to achieve their educational and professional goals.