Paths to status among public research universities in the United States, 2010–2021

Abstract Although universities are often characterised as ‘elite’, institutions can attain status in multiple dimensions—reputation, research, money and selectivity. We studied 21st century public universities in the United States, using latent profile analysis to identify which universities followed each path to status. Most universities pursued none, and very few pursued all four. Membership in the four groups was stable over time, indicating limited mobility.