Dual Mission Institutions

​A dual mission institution (DMI) is a rapidly growing type of postsecondary education that offers bachelor’s degrees, career-focused associate degrees, and workforce training programs within a college or university. Representing a new model for higher education, dual mission institutions are distinguished by a strong regional focus, innovative and flexible credentialing practices, a commitment to open access and affordability, and deep partnerships with local employers and industry.​

Several colleges and universities in Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, North Dakota, and Utah publicly identify as dual mission institutions, and many more throughout the country are moving toward or already operating under the dual mission model. The American Council on Education (ACE) is aiding these institutions through convenings​, community building, and collaboration, and it is also developing a research base that will enable identification of and support for dual mission institutions nationwide.

Read the white paper
Why DMIs Matter
Spotlighting DMIs

The Hechinger Report: “Students Need More Educational Choices After High School”

Deseret News: “Universities With Dual Missions Should Have Two Distinct Tuition Rates”

The Salt Lake Tribune: “This Utah University Is Adopting a Unique Tuition Plan to Save Students Money. Could It Be a Model for All Schools?”

University Business: “How 1 Dynamic Sector Is Due for Big Gains Thanks to Changes to the Carnegie Classification”

The Atlantic: “The False Binary in Higher Ed”

Higher Ed Dive: “Here’s How the Dual Mission College Model Works”

Vail Daily: “Besnette Hauser: CMC Is a College on a (Dual) Mission”

Aspen Ideas Festival: “Higher Ed on Shaky Ground”

Regent’s Roundtable: “Dual Mission and University/College Classifications”

WorkingNation: “The Value of Dual Mission Institutions to the Local Community”

Glenwood Springs Post Independent: “Gov. Polis Discusses Evolving Higher Education Landscape Post-pandemic at Opening CMC Dual Mission Summit Session in Glenwood Springs”

Inside Higher Ed: “The Promise of Dual-Mission Colleges”

Forbes: “Dueling Purpose: Can the Dual-Mission College Change Higher Education?”

2022 Summit: See what was discussed at the 2022 National Dual Mission Summit

Additional Resources
Contact Us

​To f​ind out more details about dual mission institutions or contact ACE, please contact the ACE Connect Team at ACEConnect@acenet.edu.

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