There is no one definitive answer to this question as “best diversity” is subjective and can depend on a variety of factors, including race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status. However, some colleges that are often cited as having strong diversity initiatives include University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Rutgers University, and University of Michigan.
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When it comes to diversity in colleges, there are a multitude of factors to consider. From race and ethnicity, to gender, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status, each individual’s experience of diversity will be different. With that being said, there are several colleges that are commonly recognized for their commitment to diversity and inclusivity.
According to College Choice’s 2021 rankings, the top ten colleges for diversity are:
- University of Hawaii at Manoa
- Andrews University
- Rutgers University
- San Francisco State University
- California State University, Fullerton
- University of San Francisco
- CUNY City College
- University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
- University of Nevada – Las Vegas
- University of Maryland – College Park
One reason why diversity is so important in higher education is that it allows for a wide range of perspectives to be brought to the table. As American novelist Junot Diaz puts it, “If you want to make a human being into a monster, deny them, at the cultural level, any reflection of themselves.” This sentiment highlights the importance of seeing oneself reflected in the communities and institutions with which we interact.
In addition, research has shown that diverse environments can foster greater creativity and innovation. A study by the consulting firm McKinsey & Company found that companies with more diverse workforces are more likely to outperform their less diverse peers.
In order to truly foster diversity and inclusivity on college campuses, it’s important to go beyond simply increasing the numbers of students from underrepresented groups. Universities should also prioritize creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all students, regardless of their background.
A helpful way to gauge a college’s commitment to diversity is to look at their initiatives and programming aimed at fostering inclusivity. For example, Rutgers University’s Division of Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement includes a wide range of departments and programs, from the Center for Social Justice Education and LGBT Communities to the Paul Robeson Cultural Center.
Overall, the question of which colleges have the “best diversity” is complex and subjective. However, by taking into account a wide range of factors and looking at colleges’ initiatives and programming, students can find a college environment that fosters inclusivity and allows for a wide range of perspectives to be heard.
Table of the top 10 colleges for diversity:
| Rank | College |
|---|---|
| 1 | University of Hawaii at Manoa |
| 2 | Andrews University |
| 3 | Rutgers University |
| 4 | San Francisco State University |
| 5 | California State University, Fullerton |
| 6 | University of San Francisco |
| 7 | CUNY City College |
| 8 | University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) |
| 9 | University of Nevada – Las Vegas |
| 10 | University of Maryland – College Park |
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The 10 Colleges with the Most Diverse Campuses
- 1. Stanford University
- 2. Rutgers University With a diversity index score of 0.75, Rutgers has one of the most diverse student bodies in the country.
- 3. University of Hawaii—Manoa
Many selective private colleges are in the top 50 most diverse colleges, including Pomona, Amherst, MIT, Stanford, Swarthmore, Yale, and Harvard. Interestingly, the entire top 25 is composed of private colleges. Possibly, the reason for this is because private colleges emphasize diversity more in their recruiting and admissions processes.
Top 20 Most Diverse Colleges and Universities in the U.S.
See the answer to “What colleges have the best diversity?” in this video
In “What Colleges Get Wrong About Diversity”, the speaker critiques colleges for having a narrow and trivializing view of diversity, which he believes is a natural occurrence rather than a goal. He argues that the current outlook on diversity perpetuates a victim mindset among college students and that the intellectual resources available to them negate any supposed threats based on gender or race.