Apply for the Carnegie Elective Classification for Sustainability

How to Apply

Step 1: Review the Timeline

March 9Applications open online

August 14Deadline to register and submit payment

December 18Online application deadline

May 2027Institutions notified of classification status

June 2027Public announcement of the 2027 Carnegie Classification for Sustainability Cohort

Step 2: Download Application Framework

Click below to fill out the form and download the application.

Step 3: Register Your Intent to Apply and Complete Payment

See instructions below.

Online Application

The online application will be available on . After the application fee has been paid, an email receipt will be generated that includes a unique link to the classification framework application portal. There, you will be able to save your progress as a draft and complete the application.

Applications must be initiated by August 14, 2026.

Register Your Intent to Apply and Complete Payment

  1. Navigate to.
  2. Select the first-time classification application, enter your institution’s IPEDS number, and choose “community college” or “non-community college.”
  3. Complete payment (see below for details on the Application Fee).
  4. After the payment is complete, an email receipt will be generated that includes a unique link to the classification framework application portal through which you will be able to save your progress as a draft and complete the application.

Application Fee

The application fee for the Sustainability Classification is a flat rate of $2,000. This fee helps sustain the administration of the classification, ensuring a rigorous and supportive process for all applicants.

Members of the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) or the Second Nature Climate Leadership Network will receive a 10% discount. ContactCarnegieSustain@colorado.edu if you are a member of either organization and did not receive the code from them.

We recognize that institutions vary in size and resources. If the application fee is a barrier to your institution’s participation, please email CarnegieSustain@colorado.edu to discuss options.

Please note, if you decide to purchase the application with a credit card, the processing charges below apply.

  • No Service Fee for Free Tickets: If the cost of the ticket is free, there is no service fee.
  • GivePulse Service Fee (0.5% + $0.99 per ticket): We charge the end user a small handling charge for the ticket.
  • Credit Card Processing Fee (3.4% + 30¢): We use a payment service called Stripe. Stripe charges a simple 2.9% + 30¢ plus an additional ~0.5% for Stripe connected accounts per transaction and includes the credit card processing. International card transactions include an additional fee of 1.5% due to increased total fees from card networks.