Significance of AAU designation

elf1
Sun, 19 Dec 2021 19:02:54 +0000

https://www.aau.edu/who-we-are/membership-policy

AAU membership is based on an idea of a very comprehensive, large-scale research university.

Nebraska lost AAU status in 2011. The issue was that a lot of their research was not “competitive”, such as agricultural research that was automatically allocated. But it didn’t really affect what Nebraska’s profile is all about, which is ag-heavy.

I would say AAU is one indicator, but is not directly tied to strength in a particular field.

Carnegie Classification is another indicator to use. I am not sure where the “Tier-1” terminology comes from, but Carnegie Classification R1 (Very High Research Intensive) Universities are considered the strongest in the research dimension.

AAU functions as an educational policy, lobbying organization. It is not a “club” that would translate into any direct benefits for undergrad majors. The strength/reputation of the particular major/program at the University is more important. Same goes for endowments. Does the program you are interested in benefit from those large endowments? Or are they tied to some other part of the university, like the med school?