SALINAS, Calif. — July 21, 2025 — Hartnell College has been named an Opportunity College and University (OCU) in the 2025 Carnegie Classifications, recognizing institutions that provide broad student access and measurable earnings outcomes following graduation.

Hartnell is one of 60 community colleges in the United States — and one of two in California — to receive the OCU designation in the new Student Access and Earnings Classification, developed by the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. In total, 479 institutions received the OCU designation across all sectors of higher education.

The Student Access and Earnings Classification evaluates institutions based on the percentage of students who receive Pell Grants, the proportion of students from underrepresented racial and ethnic backgrounds, and post-attendance earnings eight years after enrollment. The classification is contextualized using local economic and demographic data to reflect regional equity and workforce outcomes.

“This classification affirms Hartnell’s institutional mission to expand educational opportunity and support student achievement,” said Michael Gutierrez, superintendent/president of Hartnell College. “We remain focused on advancing economic mobility for our students and the communities we serve.”

Classifications were announced in Washington, D.C. as part of a broader national release. According to the Carnegie Foundation, Opportunity Colleges and Universities demonstrate both higher access and higher earnings potential, serving as models for institutional effectiveness in addressing socioeconomic disparities through education.

In addition to its OCU designation, Hartnell College received the 2025 Institutional Classification of Mixed Associate Medium, a grouping that includes 265 institutions nationwide, representing 7 percent of all colleges and universities in the Institutional Classification.

"Being named an Opportunity College affirms what drives our work at Hartnell: the belief that education transforms lives, both for our students and their families,” said Gayle Pitman, vice president of institutional equity, effectiveness, and success. “We are committed to expanding opportunity in ways that disrupt cycles of poverty and close gaps in education and income across generations."

The Carnegie Classification system is maintained by the American Council on Education in collaboration with the Carnegie Foundation. It has served as the leading framework for describing institutional diversity in U.S. higher education since 1973 and is updated every three years.

For more information on the 2025 Carnegie Classifications, visit: https://carnegieclassifications.acenet.edu

About Hartnell College

Located in the heart of Salinas Valley, Hartnell Community College District is a leading institution serving over 12,000 students annually across our main campus in Salinas, the Alisal Campus, and education centers in King City, Castroville, and Soledad. HCCD is a Seal of Excelencia Certified institution and a recognized Hispanic-serving institution since 2000. We offer associate and bachelor's degrees and certificate programs to prepare students for successful transfer to four-year universities or immediate entry into the workforce. Learn more about our programs and initiatives.