I'm seriously considering UCLA for college but I'm unsure about the overall diversity and inclusivity. Could anyone provide some info on UCLA's racial/ethnic breakdown? How does the campus feel in terms of multicultural acceptance?
UCLA is notably one of the more diverse institutions among the top-tier universities in the United States. This is due both to its location within the diverse community of Los Angeles and its commitment to creating a diverse student body. However, as with most universities, there is room for improvement in some areas.
In terms of numbers, recent official statistics indicate that significant portions of the undergraduate student body identify as Asian and Pacific Islander (35.1%), Hispanic/Latinx (22%), White (25%), and Black (6.5%), alongside smaller proportions of students identifying as other racial/ethnic groups or multiracial. These demographics can also change over time, with the university continually striving to enhance diversity.
As for multicultural acceptance, UCLA has many resources in place to support this. There are multiple cultural organizations such as the Afrikan Student Union, Asian Pacific Coalition, and MEChA, to name just a few. Additionally, the university offers resources such as the Bruin Resource Center, the Multicultural Center, and the LGBT Campus Resource Center that offer tailored support and programming.
However, diversity and acceptance can have different meanings for different people and it's essential to mention that individuals can have different experiences based on their background and personal circumstances. This can include and isn't limited to factors such as race, socioeconomic status, gender identity, or political leaning.
While we certainly hope the university's initiatives enable every student to feel seen and valued, it would also be a great idea to reach out to current or former students for a personal look at each individual's experiences. Their stories and interpretations of campus life can add depth to your understanding of the level of diversity and acceptance at UCLA.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.