Most Diverse Colleges in the U.S.
How important is representation on college campuses? According to a recent report by the Institute for Higher Education Policy, students’ feelings of belonging can improve academic performance, increase retention, and support mental health and wellness.Note Reference [1]
Explore our ranking of the most diverse colleges, highlighting schools with standout racial/ethnic and gender diversity.
| School | Sector | Women | Black Students | Students in Historically Underrepresented Groups | Non-white Students | Pell Grant Recipient Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berkeley College-New York | Private | 69% | 16% | 44% | 97% | 70.69% |
| Mercer University | Private | 66% | 32% | 40% | 56% | 68.22 |
| Andrews University | Private | 50% | 18% | 37% | 77% | 61% |
| Augsburg University | Private | 56% | 25% | 40% | 62% | 54 |
| Georgia State University | Public | 60% | 43% | 57% | 82% | 54 |
| Regent University | Private | 61% | 28% | 40% | 56% | 86% |
| St. Thomas Aquinas College | Private | 47% | 18% | 36% | 51% | 61% |
| University of San Francisco | Private | 65% | 8% | 30% | 76% | 76% |
| Johns Hopkins University | Private | 54% | 9% | 30% | 79% | 91% |
| University of Missouri-Kansas City | Public | 60% | 14% | 28% | 50% | 63% |
| University of Miami | Private | 54% | 9% | 33% | 54% | 81% |
Most Diverse Ivy Leagues
Overall, Columbia University in New York City has the strongest diversity numbers with the highest percentage of non-white students in the Ivy League.
| School | Women | Non-white Students | Black Students | Students in Historically Underrepresented Groups |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brown University | 51% | 62% | 8% | 20% |
| Columbia University | 49% | 68% | 7% | 23% |
| Cornell University | 54% | 67% | 7% | 23% |
| Dartmouth College | 49% | 52% | 6% | 17% |
| Harvard University | 52% | 65% | 9% | 21% |
| University of Pennsylvania | 55% | 67% | 8% | 19% |
| Princeton University | 50% | 63% | 8% | 18% |
| Yale University | 51% | 65% | 8% | 24% |
Our Methodology
To create this ranking, we used several key diversity data points pulled from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and Peterson’s Data, including the percentages of women, nonwhite students, students from historically underrepresented groups (American Indian/Alaska Native, Black, Hispanic or Latino/a, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander students), and international students at each school.
To qualify for this list, schools must have:
- At least 40.4% of learners from historically underrepresented groupsNote Reference [4]
- No religious affiliation
- No single race comprising over half of the student population
- All major racial/ethnic groups enrolled including Black students, Hispanic and Latino/a students, Asian students, American Indian/Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander students
- An international student body making up less than 50% of the student population
- Between 40% and 70% of women enrolled, a range based on the overall undergraduate population of women (56%)Note Reference [5]
- A graduation rate of over 50% for Pell Grant recipients, ensuring that listed schools support low-income students
Each variable we assessed was weighted by level of importance as follows: the percentage of nonwhite students (30%), the percentage of students in historically underrepresented groups (30%), the percentage of Black students (15%), the percentage of international students (15%), and the percentage of women (10%).
Why a Diverse Student Population Matters
Among the most profound benefits of higher education is the opportunity to build a broader worldview through academic and socioemotional exposure. Diverse colleges and universities enrich the experience of all students. Receiving an education alongside individuals of various identities can invite communication, encourage students to challenge harmful stereotypes, and facilitate critical thinking.
All students benefit from the enrichment offered by a diverse college environment. Many enrollees at the nation’s most diverse colleges believe that seeing their identities represented equitably on campus is crucial to building a community and having a sense of belonging.
Institutions began noticing this in the 1960s when race became an official consideration in admissions decisions. But in the summer of 2023, initiatives that supported diverse populations at colleges were threatened after the Supreme Court deemed race-conscious admissions unconstitutional. This forced many campuses to discontinue diversity-related initiatives, including closing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) offices on campuses throughout the country.
At Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) the impact of the court’s decision is already clear. The institution released its profile of the incoming class of 2028 and the data confirms that the Black student population dropped from 15% for the class of 2027 to just 5% this fall.
The Hispanic and Latino/a student population also dropped this year from 16% to 11%. The percentage of Asian Americans, however, was the only one to increase, rising seven percentage points in 2024.
At Harvard University, the Black student population also dropped from 18% to 14% this year.Note Reference [6] However, its Hispanic student enrollment increased, rising from 14% to 16%.
Despite drops in diverse populations and sweeping bans of DEI initiatives at schools, students continue to value diversity and want it on their campuses.
In a 2022 BestColleges survey, over half of students (56%) said colleges should take responsibility for increasing the representation of historically excluded groups on campus. In the same survey, around 60% of students said that racial and ethnic diversity not only improved the social experience for students (62%) but also the learning environment (59%).
The following year, a similar percentage of students (55%) told us they would consider transferring if their college were to abolish DEI initiatives. Further, nearly 1 in 4 students (23%) ranked diversity of the student body as one of their most important factors when choosing a college to attend.
Additional Diversity Resources
College Resources for Diverse and Multicultural Students
This guide provides a collection of resources for students of diverse identities, including students of color, international students, LGBTQ+ students, and undocumented students. Find appropriate scholarship programs, Greek-letter societies, and advocacy groups to help you navigate your college experience.
College Guide for LGBTQ+ Students
This comprehensive guide helps LBGTQ+ students find a safe and supportive college environment. This guide also includes information about scholarships and human rights organizations that support LGBTQ+ students.
College Guide for Undocumented Students
Pursuing higher education can pose unique challenges for undocumented students. This guide provides legal, financial, and DACA resources you can use to navigate obstacles commonly encountered during the application, enrollment, and financial aid processes.
Financial Aid Opportunities for Minority Students
Explore this list of financial aid opportunities for minority students. You can browse dozens of scholarships and supportive organizations that target students based on their identity and field of study.
Scholarships for Hispanic and Latino/a Students
This list highlights need-based and merit-based scholarships and grants for Hispanic and Latino/a students. Some scholarships are designated for more specific populations, such as female or undocumented individuals.
Scholarships for African American and Black Students
There are several public and privately funded options for Black and African American students looking for scholarships. Some scholarships and grants serve students in specific areas, like law or engineering, while others are need-based awards.
Scholarships for Asian-Pacific American Students
Asian and Pacific American students looking to fund their education can pursue a variety of grants and scholarships. Some of these opportunities focus specifically on women, LGBTQ+ individuals, first-generation students, or learners with particular ethnicities. Other scholarships serve Asian and Pacific American students pursuing specific fields.
Scholarships for LGBTQ+ Students
Several scholarship opportunities serve LGBTQ+ students. Many of these awards go to LGBTQ+ recipients who reside in designated regions or study a specific discipline.
References
- How Student Experience and Belonging Interventions Can Support Strong Postsecondary Outcomes. Institute for Higher Education Policy. August 2024. (back to footnote 1 in content ⤶)
- Peterson’s Data. 2022-2023 Undergraduate Database. Accessed August 2024. (back to footnote 2 in content ⤶)
- Custom Data. Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. National Center for Education Statistics. Accessed August 2024. (back to footnote 3 in content ⤶)
- Number of Students Enrolled in Postsecondary Institutions Annually, by Race/Ethnicity and Sector of Institution: 2022-23. IPEDS. Accessed August 2024. (back to footnote 4 in content ⤶)
- Current Term Enrollment Estimates: Spring 2024. National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. May 2024. (back to footnote 5 in content ⤶)
- Harvard’s Black Student Enrollment Dips After Affirmative Action Ends. The New York Times. September 2024. (back to footnote 6 in content ⤶)
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