Lakeland University has been recognized as a Carnegie Opportunity College, a prestigious national designation awarded by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, in partnership with the American Council on Education.

The Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education is the nation’s leading framework for categorizing diverse U.S. higher education institutions.

So, what does it mean? It means Lakeland is doing what matters most:

• Expanding access to higher education for students of all backgrounds
• Delivering strong outcomes, including higher earnings after graduation

Out of 3,927 colleges and universities throughout the U.S., Lakeland is one of only 479 institutions nationwide to receive this designation, and the only one in Wisconsin.

Through innovative approaches, such as cooperative education, which connects academic learning with real-world experience, Lakeland students are gaining valuable work experience, earning wages to offset tuition, and building pathways to strong post-graduation outcomes. To date, these opportunities have enabled students to collectively earn more than $10 million: real income that helps reduce college costs and accelerates career readiness.

This is one of the reasons Lakeland consistently ranks among the top schools in Wisconsin and the Midwest for advancing social mobility, helping more students access and complete an affordable degree that leads to lasting success.

Lakeland’s career-connected approach ensures students are prepared for in-demand jobs with strong earning potential.