What is the difference between a research university and a teaching university in the United States?

A research university is an institution of higher education that places a strong emphasis on research and scholarship. Research universities typically have large graduate programs and offer advanced degrees in a wide range of fields. Faculty members at research universities are expected to produce original research in addition to teaching classes. These universities often have extensive research facilities and may have partnerships with other institutions and organizations to further their research goals.

A teaching university, on the other hand, focuses primarily on undergraduate education. These universities typically have smaller class sizes and a greater emphasis on teaching and student engagement. Faculty members at teaching universities are primarily focused on teaching, although they may also conduct research in their areas of expertise. Teaching universities may also offer graduate programs, but they are generally smaller in size and scope than those offered by research universities.

The distinction between research universities and teaching universities is not always clear-cut, and many institutions fall somewhere in between these two categories. Some universities may be more research-focused than others, while some may place a greater emphasis on teaching than on research.