In the early 1900s, the United States of America became known as a “melting pot”—a nation whose culture was defined by the fusion of people from differing racial and ethnic backgrounds. Since then, some have argued the terms “salad bowl,” “mosaic,” or even “kaleidoscope” better describe the United States because they point to a country where cultures have both blended but also remained distinct in certain ways. Regardless of your opinion on nicknames, America is a diverse nation—and US higher education is a microcosm that reflects that.
Colleges and universities are more diverse now than ever before. With increasing diversity among young people, these institutions are eager to equip themselves for the ever-shifting demographics of students pursuing higher education. If a commitment to fostering diversity is a “must-have” for the school you plan to attend, here are five questions to consider to help you formulate your list of college options.
1. Does the school say it values diversity?
Of all the research you do, this question could prove to be the simplest. The vast majority of (if not all) institutions use a mission statement as the guide for their beliefs as an organization, and often the mission will come complete with a set of values and action steps as to how the college or university implements that mission. Here schools might directly affirm their commitment to a diverse campus community or their calling to equip more culturally aware students. And though one section on the “About Us” page of an institution’s website doesn’t guarantee fulfillment of these intentions, it is, at the very least, a start.
Related: A More Diverse College Search: How to Find Colleges With Strong DEI Efforts
2. Does the school value diversity in its recruitment strategies?
Admission representatives generally travel to college fairs and high schools to share information about their college. Those who regularly visit areas with a high volume of minority high school students or who travel internationally, likely represent a school making a concerted effort to reach a wide range of students from diverse backgrounds. Institutions may also seek to attend additional multicultural events and design their admission processes to accommodate students from all backgrounds.
3. Can I succeed as a student there?
Colleges and universities often need to make data-driven decisions (as most organizations do). As a result, studies abound concerning the performance of high school graduates and how that performance may correlate to success at the post-secondary level and beyond. These studies illustrate that each student learns in different ways and can struggle from time to time in areas such as standardized tests or high school coursework. The same is true when you get to college. Here are a few elements to look for as you examine whether a school is equipped to help every student—especially you—learn and prosper:
- Available and approachable faculty
- Small, personalized class sizes
- Mentoring programs
- Tutoring services
- Above-average retention rates
- Completion rates of internships
While institutions may not boast all their services and student outcome statistics, those who offer the right mix show their preparedness for handling the increasingly diverse high school applicants.
Related: Making the Most of Your Campus Resources as a First-Generation Student
4. Will the value of my education offset the expense?
In your research, starting with a school’s cost and what’s financially in your range is a good start. Then dive into scholarship and financial aid options to determine what might actually be financially feasible with extra help. Many colleges or universities offer institutional funds specifically for minority and first-generation students. If they don’t, financial aid representatives are available to guide students toward other awards.
Despite the multitude of financial aid possibilities, loans do become a reality for many students and eventually come due, making the outcome of your college education all the more important. Track down placement rates to determine what percentage of graduates find full-time employment or enter graduate/professional school. Then dig into what alumni within your potential major are doing now. College is an investment, so ensuring you have the best chance at a quality return on that time and money is critical. Not only that, but placement rates, outcomes data, and alumni testimonials further illustrate how a school prepares its students for their careers.
5. Is there a robust student life?
Colleges and universities know they need to supplement the academic side of the college experience with hearty student life offerings on campus. This begins with the different types of student organizations on campus. The presence of multicultural clubs can indicate how welcoming and supportive an institution is of a diverse population. These clubs can help spearhead residence hall programs, speakers, events, or excursions that help students become aware of, learn about, and immerse themselves in various cultures. Additionally, while some schools may not offer the specific club you’re looking for, the school’s opportunities, resources, and methods for starting a new club say a great deal.
Related: 6 Ways to Get Involved in a Diverse Campus Community
Colleges and universities may showcase their commitment to diversity upfront; others may not be so obvious with their intents. Use these five questions to help guide you in your research, and the best way to truly know where you belong is to visit if you can.
Another great way to determine a college’s commitment to diversity is to take it from the experts—like us! Check out the CollegeXpress featured diversity colleges lists to directly connect with schools looking for diverse students.
