For the fourth consecutive time, West Virginia University has been recognized as a top research institution. The American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching named it an R1 university, the highest possible research ranking. WVU said on its website that it is the only R1 institution in West Virginia and one of 187 colleges and universities nationwide to earn the recognition. To be considered, institutions must spend at least $50 million a year on research and development, and award at least 70 doctorates.