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The W named Opportunity University by Carnegie Foundation

Thursday, March 19, 2026
by University Relations
A logo for the Carnegie Foundation's Opportunity Colleges and Universities.

The W was recently notified that it has been classified as an Opportunity College and University by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the American Council on Education in the category of higher access and higher earnings.

Institutions that exceed the thresholds for higher access and higher earnings are designated as Opportunity Colleges and Universities. In the most recent Carnegie classifications, 478 institutions received this designation.

The W was one of only two Mississippi institutions noted.

About The W

Located in historic Columbus, Mississippi, The W was founded in 1884 as the first state-supported college for women in the United States. Today, the university is home to 2,371 students in more than 70 majors and concentrations and has educated men for 40 years. The university is nationally recognized for low student debt, community and social mobility which empowers students to BE BOLD.

Be Bold.