Apply for the Carnegie Elective Classification for Sustainability

How to Apply

Step 1: Review the Timeline

Carnegie timeline

Step 2: Download Framework Application

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 July 17, 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.