TOP 20 DIVERSITY FRIENDLY UNIVERSITIES IN AMERICA
- Introduction
- 1. CUNY - Lehman College
- 2. CUNY - Hunter College
- 3. Wellesley College
- 4. University of Hawaii at Hilo
- 5. San Francisco State University
- 6. Rutgers University-Newark
- 7. California State University-East Bay
- 8. Pomona College
- 9. Amherst College
- 10. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- 11. Stanford University
- 12. Swarthmore College
- 13. Yale University
- 14. Harvard University
- 15. University of Central Florida
- 16. University of South Florida
- 17. Florida State University
- 18. CUNY Lehman College (Online Programs)
- 19. Herzing University - Brookfield
- 20. George Mason University
- Conclusion
Introduction
As the United States becomes increasingly diverse, creating inclusive and equitable educational environments is essential. Diversity in higher education not only enriches the academic experience but also prepares students to succeed in an interconnected and globalised world. Below are 20 top universities across America recognized for their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. These institutions stand out for their unique programs, inclusive policies, and top-ranked courses that support a diverse student body.
| University | Location | Unique Aspects | Top Courses | Admission Fee | Tuition Fees (Out-of-State) | Tuition Fees (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
CUNY - Lehman College |
Bronx, New York |
90%+ students of color, Urban Male Leadership Program |
Nursing, Social Work, Business Administration |
$65 |
$18,600 |
₹1,539,600 |
|
CUNY - Hunter College |
New York, New York |
Hispanic-serving, Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-serving institution |
Psychology, Nursing, Political Science |
$65 |
$18,600 |
₹1,539,600 |
|
Wellesley College |
Wellesley, Massachusetts |
50%+ students of color, Presidential Commission on Ethnicity, Race, and Equity |
Economics, Political Science, Neuroscience |
$50 |
$61,584 |
₹5,099,952 |
|
University of Hawaii at Hilo |
Hilo, Hawaii |
Focus on Hawaiian culture, rich cultural heritage |
Marine Science, Hawaiian Studies, Astronomy |
$50 |
$20,798 |
₹1,721,268 |
|
San Francisco State University |
San Francisco, California |
Engaged in social justice and community activism, strong LGBTQ+ inclusion |
Ethnic Studies, Cinema, Business |
$70 |
$19,286 |
₹1,595,532 |
|
Rutgers University-Newark |
Newark, New Jersey |
Emphasis on public service and social justice, Institute for the Study of Global Racial Justice |
Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Supply Chain Management |
$70 |
$32,189 |
₹2,664,345 |
|
California State University-East Bay |
Hayward, California |
Focus on first-generation college students and low-income backgrounds |
Business Administration, Psychology, Criminal Justice |
$70 |
$18,630 |
₹1,541,670 |
|
Pomona College |
Claremont, California |
Diverse student body, need-blind admissions, small liberal arts college with large university resources |
Economics, Computer Science, International Relations |
$70 |
$60,456 |
₹5,013,816 |
|
Amherst College |
Amherst, Massachusetts |
Strong commitment to diversity, open curriculum for personalized education |
Political Science, Economics, English |
$65 |
$64,100 |
₹5,316,300 |
|
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) |
Cambridge, Massachusetts |
Leader in STEM diversity, extensive resources for underrepresented groups |
Computer Science, Engineering, Physics |
$75 |
$60,390 |
₹5,001,990 |
|
Stanford University |
Stanford, California |
Innovative education approach, generous financial aid program |
Computer Science, Business, Biology |
$90 |
$58,416 |
₹4,834,656 |
|
Swarthmore College |
Swarthmore, Pennsylvania |
Rigorous academics, need-blind admissions, strong commitment to social responsibility |
Economics, Political Science, Biology |
$60 |
$61,992 |
₹5,136,384 |
|
Yale University |
New Haven, Connecticut |
Ivy League institution, many resources for diverse groups |
Political Science, Economics, History |
$80 |
$64,700 |
₹5,369,100 |
|
Harvard University |
Cambridge, Massachusetts |
Oldest Ivy League, significant strides in diversity and inclusion, strong financial aid |
Economics, Computer Science, Government |
$75 |
$59,950 |
₹4,968,150 |
|
University of Central Florida |
Orlando, Florida |
Large university with extensive online program options |
Engineering, Business, Nursing |
$30 |
$22,467 |
₹1,858,377 |
|
University of South Florida |
Tampa, Florida |
Strong support for first-generation students and diverse backgrounds |
Public Health, Engineering, Business |
$30 |
$17,324 |
₹1,432,508 |
|
Florida State University |
Tallahassee, Florida |
Diverse student body, extensive online degree offerings |
Business, Criminology, Psychology |
$30 |
$21,673 |
₹1,791,793 |
|
Herzing University - Brookfield |
Brookfield, Wisconsin |
Strong support for non-traditional and online students |
Nursing, Business Administration, Information Technology |
$50 |
$13,200 (Online) |
₹1,096,500 |
|
George Mason University |
Fairfax, Virginia |
Commitment to diversity, strong support for community engagement |
Public Administration, Conflict Analysis, Computer Science |
$70 |
$36,492 |
₹3,029,70 |
(Read More: Check out the First-time traveller's Guide to the USA)
1. CUNY - Lehman College
Location: Bronx, New York
Unique Aspects: CUNY Lehman College is renowned for its commitment to serving a diverse urban population. Over 90% of its students identify as people of color, and the college is particularly supportive of first-generation college students and those from low-income backgrounds. The Urban Male Leadership Program is unique in its focus on increasing the enrollment and success of Black and Latino males.
Top Courses: Nursing, Social Work, Business Administration
Admission Fee: $65
Tuition Fees: $18,600 (Out-of-State) / ₹1,539,600
2. CUNY - Hunter College
Location: New York, New York
Unique Aspects: Originally founded as a women’s college, Hunter College remains a leader in promoting gender equity while serving a student body that is two-thirds female. The college is recognized as both a Hispanic-serving Institution and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-serving institution.
Top Courses: Psychology, Nursing, Political Science
Admission Fee: $65
Tuition Fees: $18,600 (Out-of-State) / ₹1,539,600
(Check More: 9 Best Universities to pursue Psychology in the USA)
3. Wellesley College
Location: Wellesley, Massachusetts
Unique Aspects: Wellesley College stands out as one of the most prestigious women’s liberal arts colleges in the U.S. It is dedicated to empowering women from diverse backgrounds, with over 50% of its students identifying as people of color. Wellesley’s Presidential Commission on Ethnicity, Race, and Equity plays a significant role in promoting diversity and equity on campus.
Top Courses: Economics, Political Science, Neuroscience
Admission Fee: $50
Tuition Fees: $61,584 / ₹5,099,952
4. University of Hawaii at Hilo
Location: Hilo, Hawaii
Unique Aspects: The University of Hawaii at Hilo is unique for its strong emphasis on Hawaiian culture and its location in a region with a rich cultural heritage. The university offers programs focused on Hawaiian language and culture, making it a hub for students interested in linguistic studies.
Top Courses: Marine Science, Hawaiian Studies, Astronomy
Admission Fee: $50
Tuition Fees: $20,798 (Out-of-State) / ₹1,721,268
5. San Francisco State University
Location: San Francisco, California
Unique Aspects: San Francisco State University is known for its active engagement with social justice and community activism, reflecting the diverse and progressive nature of its surrounding city. The university offers a wide range of ethnic studies programs and is a leader in LGBTQ+ inclusion.
Top Courses: Ethnic Studies, Cinema, Business
Admission Fee: $70
Tuition Fees: $19,286 (Out-of-State) / ₹1,595,532
6. Rutgers University-Newark
Location: Newark, New Jersey
Unique Aspects: Rutgers University-Newark is a standout institution for its urban setting and deep commitment to public service and social justice. The university’s Institute for the Study of Global Racial Justice is one of many initiatives that highlight its dedication to addressing inequality.
Top Courses: Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Supply Chain Management
Admission Fee: $70
Tuition Fees: $32,189 (Out-of-State) / ₹2,664,345
(Know More: How to Speak English Fluently within a few days?)
7. California State University-East Bay
Location: Hayward, California
Unique Aspects: California State University-East Bay is particularly focused on serving first-generation college students and those from low-income backgrounds. The university’s diversity is reflected in its academic offerings, which include programs in ethnic studies and social justice.
Top Courses: Business Administration, Psychology, Criminal Justice
Admission Fee: $70
Tuition Fees: $18,630 (Out-of-State) / ₹1,541,670
8. Pomona College
Location: Claremont, California
Unique Aspects: Pomona College, part of the Claremont Colleges consortium, offers the resources of a larger university with the personalized education of a small liberal arts college. It has a diverse student body and offers need-blind admissions, ensuring that students from all financial backgrounds have access to a high-quality education.
Top Courses: Economics, Computer Science, International Relations
Admission Fee: $70
Tuition Fees: $60,456 / ₹5,013,816
9. Amherst College
Location: Amherst, Massachusetts
Unique Aspects: Amherst College is committed to enrolling a diverse student body and has made significant strides in supporting students from underrepresented backgrounds. The college’s open curriculum allows students to design their own academic paths, which can be particularly beneficial for those with unique academic interests.
Top Courses: Political Science, Economics, English
Admission Fee: $65
Tuition Fees: $64,100 / ₹5,316,300
10. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
Unique Aspects: MIT is not only a leader in science and technology but also in diversity and inclusion, particularly in the STEM fields. MIT is one of the top universities for STEM courses in the USA and offers extensive resources and support for women and minorities pursuing careers in science and engineering.
Top Courses: Computer Science, Engineering, Physics
Admission Fee: $75
Tuition Fees: $60,390 / ₹5,001,990
11. Stanford University
Location: Stanford, California
Unique Aspects: Stanford University is known for its innovative approach to education and its commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. The university’s financial aid program is one of the most generous in the country, making a Stanford education accessible to students from all economic backgrounds.
Top Courses: Computer Science, Business, Biology
Admission Fee: $90
Tuition Fees: $58,416 / ₹4,834,656
12. Swarthmore College
Location: Swarthmore, Pennsylvania
Unique Aspects: Swarthmore College is known for its rigorous academic environment and its strong commitment to social responsibility. The college offers a need-blind admissions policy and meets 100% of demonstrated financial need, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent talented students from attending.
Top Courses: Economics, Political Science, Biology
Admission Fee: $60
Tuition Fees: $61,992 / ₹5,136,384
13. Yale University
Location: New Haven, Connecticut
Unique Aspects: Yale University is a member of the Ivy League and is recognized for its commitment to diversity and excellence. The university offers numerous cultural centers and student organizations that support its diverse student body, including the Afro-American Cultural Center and La Casa Cultural.
Top Courses: Political Science, Economics, History
Admission Fee: $80
Tuition Fees: $64,700 / ₹5,369,100
14. Harvard University
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
Unique Aspects: Harvard University, the oldest institution of higher education in the United States, is also one of the most prestigious. Harvard has made significant strides in increasing the diversity of its student body and faculty, and its financial aid program is among the best in the world.
Top Courses: Economics, Computer Science, Government
Admission Fee: $75
Tuition Fees: $59,950 / ₹4,968,150
15. University of Central Florida
Location: Orlando, Florida
Unique Aspects: The University of Central Florida (UCF) is one of the largest universities in the country, and its size allows it to offer a wide range of programs and services to a diverse student body. UCF is known for its strong online programs, which provide flexibility for students from various backgrounds.
Top Courses: Engineering, Business, Nursing
Admission Fee: $30
Tuition Fees: $22,467 (Out-of-State) / ₹1,858,377
16. University of South Florida
Location: Tampa, Florida
Unique Aspects: The University of South Florida (USF) is committed to creating an inclusive environment for its diverse student population. The university offers a wide range of resources for first-generation students, veterans, and those from underrepresented groups.
Top Courses: Public Health, Engineering, Business
Admission Fee: $30
Tuition Fees: $17,324 (Out-of-State) / ₹1,432,508
(Read More: How to apply for study in the USA?)
17. Florida State University
Location: Tallahassee, Florida
Unique Aspects: Florida State University (FSU) is known for its strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, particularly in its online programs, which offer accessible education to students who might not be able to attend classes on campus.
Top Courses: Business, Criminology, Psychology
Admission Fee: $30
Tuition Fees: $21,673 (Out-of-State) / ₹1,791,793
18. CUNY Lehman College (Online Programs)
Location: Bronx, New York
Unique Aspects: CUNY Lehman College offers a range of online degree programs that extend its commitment to diversity beyond the traditional classroom. These programs are designed to provide access to higher education in the USA for students who may not be able to attend in-person classes, including working adults and those with other responsibilities.
Top Courses: Business Administration, Health Services Administration, Early Childhood Education
Admission Fee: $65
Tuition Fees: $18,600 (Out-of-State) / ₹1,539,600
19. Herzing University - Brookfield
Location: Brookfield, Wisconsin
Unique Aspects: Herzing University is a private institution with a strong commitment to supporting non-traditional students, including those pursuing online degrees. The university offers flexible programs designed to accommodate students from diverse backgrounds, including working professionals and those with family obligations.
Top Courses: Nursing, Business Administration, Information Technology
Admission Fee: $50
Tuition Fees: $13,200 (Online) / ₹1,096,500
20. George Mason University
Location: Fairfax, Virginia
Unique Aspects: George Mason University is known for its commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus environment. The university offers a range of programs and resources to support its diverse student population, including initiatives aimed at promoting social justice and community engagement.
(Suggested Read: All about Social Justice course abroad)
Top Courses: Public Administration, Conflict Analysis and Resolution, Computer Science
Admission Fee: $70
Tuition Fees: $36,492 (Out-of-State) / ₹3,029,700
Conclusion
These universities have been recognized for their dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion through their student demographics, faculty composition, student organizations, and institutional policies. By attending one of these institutions, students can benefit from a supportive and inclusive environment that prepares them for success in a globalized world. Each university's unique programs, diverse course offerings, and inclusive policies contribute to creating a richer and more equitable educational experience for all students.
