Hello. I see a lot of rankings about the most diverse colleges, but as a person of color, I'm interested in knowing which colleges in America are considered least diverse. I believe it would help me make a more informed college choice. Thanks!
Research shows that many factors contribute to a college's diversity or lack thereof. Apart from race and ethnicity, socioeconomic status, geographic location, and international representation also weigh heavily.
According to the data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), colleges located in rural settings in the US Midwest and Northeast often lean toward less diversity, outnumbered heavily by white students. Some examples include the University of Maine at Machias and Southern Vermont College.
Similarly, smaller liberal arts colleges in isolated locations may have less diversity due to the regional demographics and the nature of the school. Thomas Aquinas College in California and College of the Ozarks in Missouri are examples of this scenario. It's essential to remember that these colleges exchange this lack of diversity for a sense of close-knit community and individualized attention.
More homogeneously populated states like Idaho, Utah, Wyoming, and New Hampshire also tend to have less diverse colleges due to the overall demographic mix of these states. For example, Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah has been noted for its lower diversity figures.
It's crucial to understand that a lack of diversity does not necessarily equate to a lack of inclusivity or guarantee a lack of safe spaces/support for students of color. Doing additional research on each school's commitment to diversity and inclusion, such as the presence of multicultural centers or resources for minority students, could provide a more comprehensive understanding.
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