UH-Hilo ranked No. 1 in nation for diversity

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The University of Hawaii at Hilo remains the nation’s most ethnically diverse campus, according to the 2022-23 U.S. News & World Report’s college rankings.

“We have topped the list for diversity for several years now, and we are quite proud of that designation,” said UH-Hilo Chancellor Bonnie Irwin. “We are also working hard on making sure that our diverse community feels that we treat everyone equitably and that each student has the resources they need to succeed.”

UH-Hilo was also named the most ethnically diverse campus in the 2020 and 2021 reports.

“These latest rankings confirm what we’ve heard from many, many others,” said UH President David Lassner in a release. “The University of Hawaii is a fabulous institution and across our campuses, we have a place for everyone.”

This year, UH-Hilo tied for the No. 1 spot with Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Mich.

Students at UH-Hilo in the fall of 2021 reported being 15.4% Asian, 8.3% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, 19.4% white, and 35.8% of two or more races.

“Our diversity is a strength for the university in that it exposes our students to a rich variety of cultures, languages, and worldviews,” said Irwin. “This exposure is crucial in helping our students prepare for working in a diverse global community.”

The report grades approximately 2,640 four-year nationwide institutions on graduation and retention rates, faculty resources, expert opinions, financial resources and student excellence among other categories.

UH-Hilo ranked No. 56 for social mobility, No. 146 as a top U.S. public university, No. 285 overall in the nation and No. 86 for institutions whose students graduated carrying the least debt.

UH-Hilo’s School of Nursing ranked No. 206 for best undergraduate nursing program in the U.S., and the College of Business and Economies placed No. 283 among the best undergraduate business programs.