Affordable Online Colleges Ranked by Diversity and Inclusion Programs

Understanding Diversity and Inclusion in Online Education

In this ranking, we examine the top affordable online colleges with diversity programs.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are a big part of today’s college experience, and you can really see it in online learning. When the pandemic forced everything to go virtual, it brought to light a lot of issues that were there all along but weren’t so obvious before.

DEI is about two main things:

1. recognizing and accepting differences in a group.
2. making sure everyone is involved in what the group is doing.

However, as the cost of education rises, many traditional colleges have become too expensive for many students. This makes it harder to prioritize diversity and inclusion, hence the decreasing enrollment rates.

That’s where affordable online colleges come in. They offer scholarships, low tuition and fees, flexible payment plans, excellent support services, and more. Their programs are focused on supporting minority and underrepresented students.

To help more students access higher education, we’ve created a list of online colleges ranked by DEI support.

Related Articles:

• Affordable Online Colleges for Minority Students: Top Choices and Resources
• Best Online Colleges with Support for Minority Students
• How Online Colleges Are Addressing Barriers for First-Generation Minority Students
• How Online Colleges Support Minority Students: A Breakdown of Essential Services

Why Diversity and Inclusion Programs Matter for Online Students

Cultural sensitivity is a trending topic wherever you go. It’s all about being aware of and respecting different cultural backgrounds, beliefs, and practices. Online learning is crucial because it helps students feel valued and engaged, leading to better learning outcomes. Without it, students from diverse cultures might feel excluded or unsupported.

Diversity and inclusion in online education are key to promoting cultural sensitivity in online learning. DEI programs are great for teaching valuable but hard-to-measure skills, like:

• Emotional awareness
• Problem-solving
• Conflict management
• Self-awareness of biases
• Teamwork and communication
• Understanding workplace and social norms

Criteria for Ranking Colleges by Diversity and Inclusion Programs

When choosing the best online colleges for minority students, we’ve considered the following factors:

DEI Offices

These offices provide support, programs, and advocacy to ensure equal opportunities for all students, regardless of their background.

Online colleges with diversity offices help:

• Prevent discrimination
• Promote inclusivity
• Create a space for discussions about race, gender, sexual orientation, and identity

Colleges with a DEI office often have staff who:

• Help students with bias-related issues
• Support students facing unfair treatment or systemic challenges

Student Support Services

Student support services are key to helping minority students do well both in and out of the classroom. These services include things like:

• academic advising
• counseling
• career services
• mental health support

Many colleges also offer peer support programs, tutoring, and writing centers to ensure that every student has the tools they need to succeed, regardless of their background or life circumstances.

Cultural Clubs

Cultural clubs offer a safe space for minority students at predominantly white colleges (PWIs) to connect with others who share similar experiences. These clubs help students discover and celebrate their unique identities, providing a sense of belonging in environments where they might otherwise feel isolated. They offer a chance to bond over shared cultural struggles with people who truly get it.

Scholarships

Paying for college can be a huge barrier for many minority students. Scholarships specifically for underrepresented groups make education more affordable and accessible. These colleges offer a vast array of scholarships. This includes first-generation students of color, LGBTQ+, and disability scholarships.

Mentoring Programs

Another important aspect we’ve considered is mentoring programs. For many minority students, having a mentor who shares similar cultural, racial, or ethnic backgrounds can be especially empowering. Mentors provide support that goes beyond academic advice.

They also offer personal and professional mentorship that fosters confidence and resilience. These relationships help students build networks. They will help students access professional opportunities and gain valuable life skills.

Top Affordable Online Colleges with Strong Diversity and Inclusion Programs

Florida State University

Florida State University is a leader in promoting equity and inclusion in affordable colleges online.

FSU creates a welcoming culture by encouraging respect and inclusivity in everyday interactions between students, staff, and faculty. It offers diverse research opportunities, inclusive courses, and strong mentoring programs.

FSU is also redefining inclusion with programs like Unconquered Scholars 2023-2027. This effort has earned FSU recognition as one of only 10 “Diversity Champion” universities by INSIGHT Into Diversity. This program offers a range of services through collaboration with campus partners, including:

• One-on-One Advising
• Summer Bridge Program
• College Life Coaching
• Academic Advising
• Financial Aid Assistance and Advocacy
• Tutoring Services
• State-of-the-art computer Lab and Study Suites
• Mental Health Counseling Services
• Academic and Skills Workshops
• Volunteer Opportunities

Florida State University’s tuition is $6,517 for in-state students and $21,683 for out-of-state students.

New York Institute of Technology

New York Institute of Technology is the country’s #2 most affordable online college with DEI programs. It’s known for celebrating the unique backgrounds of people from different races, ethnicities, religions, genders, sexualities, cultures, abilities, and socioeconomic statuses.

In February 2018, New York Tech created the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity (DEI) Task Force. The task force aimed to develop strategies to make the campus more welcoming for everyone and create an environment where all community members could have meaningful experiences in teaching, learning, and work.

In October 2022, the DEI Task Force became the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEI&B). It also established an Advisory Group and DEI Committee to continue advancing these efforts.

Here are some of NYIT’s student engagements:

• National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
• Society of Women Engineers (SWE)
• Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)

Community Engagement:

• Middle School Maker Academy
• VOYA Foundation-funded initiatives
• Women in Engineering and Technology Day

New York Institute of Technology’s tuition is $46,560, which is lower than the national average of $47,999.

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University is ranked the top public HBCU in the nation for the fourth year in a row by U.S. News & World Report. The university is also working toward breaking into the top 100 public universities.

One of FAMU’s recent initiatives is supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities. The initiative includes three local projects. These projects aim to expand market access for minority farmers and support underserved individuals.

FAMU also offers other programs to support its diverse student body. This includes:

• The FAMU Success Academy helps first-generation college students by providing academic and social support and ensuring they have the tools they need to succeed.
• The Center for Academic Excellence (CAE) offers tutoring, study skills workshops, career counseling, and mentorship. They are specifically designed to help students from underrepresented backgrounds.
• Cultural Awareness Initiatives at FAMU include cultural events, guest speakers, and programs. These promote diversity and prepare students to be global citizens.

These programs work together to create an environment where every student can thrive.

FAMU is a top option for affordable online college. Its average annual in-state and out-of-state tuition and fees are $5,785 and $17,725, respectively.

City University New York Lehman College

Lehman College is CUNY’s only four-year college in the Bronx. It serves as a key intellectual, economic, and cultural hub for the borough and surrounding region.

One of its DEI initiatives is the Black, Race, and Ethnic Studies Initiative (BRESI). This is a $3 million project funded by the Mellon Foundation to expand and improve CUNY’s programs in these areas. It aims to celebrate the diverse cultures of CUNY students and New York City. BRESI has funded 126 projects focused on things like curriculum updates, campus climate, student internships, and faculty research.

Other initiatives include:

• CUNY Innovative Teaching Academy (CITA): CITA offers professional development workshops to help faculty create more inclusive classrooms and improve teaching practices across the university.
• CUNY Diversity & Inclusion Fellowship Program: This program, created by CUNY’s COSA and CITA, supports faculty, staff, and students in developing workshops promoting campus equity, inclusion, and justice.
• CUNY Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access (C-IDEA) Conference: The annual C-IDEA conference focuses on health equity and social justice, bringing together educators and leaders to share ideas for advancing inclusion.

The total cost at CUNY Lehman College is $11,662 for in-state students and $20,092 for out-of-state students.

Western New Mexico University

Founded in 1893, Western New Mexico University (WNMU) now serves around 3,700 students and offers a wide range of academic programs. WNMU currently has 67 international students from 17 different countries, adding to its diverse global community. It has become one of the top institutions promoting diversity programs in online schools.

WNMU is proud to be a Hispanic-serving institution, and this is really evident in the campus culture. There are plenty of cultural clubs to get involved in. Students actively participate in events like Black History Month, Cinco de Mayo, Chinese New Year, and other multicultural celebrations throughout the year.

The university is also dedicated to serving the local community. Places like the Gardner Learning Center provide affordable access to education while embracing its students’ multicultural and multilingual backgrounds. It’s all about creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome and supported.

With a relatively low tuition cost, WNMU is an affordable option for students seeking an inclusive academic experience. In-state tuition and fees are $9,820, while out-of-state tuition and fees are $17,928.

What to Look for in an Online College’s Diversity Program

Here are a few things to consider when narrowing down diverse and inclusive online education programs:

1. Look for universities with a diverse student body, including a strong international presence.
2. Check if the university has clubs celebrating different cultures and offering cultural exchange opportunities.
3. Look for DEI initiatives led by senior administrators or a dedicated DEI office. They should also have ongoing DEI programs, scholarships, and resource funding.
4. If learning a new language interests you, choose schools with language programs or clubs.
5. Talk to current students or alumni to get a sense of the campus’s cultural diversity.

Here are a few questions you need to ask the online college:

1. What resources support underrepresented or first-generation students?
2. How does the college train faculty in DEI, and what’s the faculty diversity like?
3. What DEI initiatives ensure an inclusive environment?
4. Does the college have outreach programs to increase education access for underrepresented communities?
5. Are there scholarships or financial aid for underrepresented groups?
6. Is there any college diversity support for online students?

How Diversity and Inclusion Programs Enhance Educational Value

DEI programs not only improve the college experience but also help students get ready for their careers. Today’s workplaces are becoming more diverse. To succeed in jobs, relationships, and communities, students need to:

• Understand how cultural norms affect communication.
• Recognize that their experiences are not everyone else’s.
• Be ready to listen to people with different needs and perspectives.
• Be aware that certain words and ways of speaking can hurt others.
• Realize that even with good intentions, they might still say or do things that can harm people different from them.
• Appreciate the value of different viewpoints and life experiences.

Students who haven’t worked with diverse groups may struggle in the job market. For example, they might write cover letters that come across as outdated, like addressing them to “Mr.” or “Gentlemen.” Managing people fairly may also be more difficult for them. However, students from diverse campuses are more likely to understand that not everyone shares the same background.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice

Diversity and inclusion in education go beyond checking boxes. It enhances learning by fostering interactions among people from different backgrounds and helps build a fairer society.

When selecting an online college, whether you’re a minority or not, you should prioritize DEI initiatives and programs. This will not only enhance your college experience but also prepare you for success in a global, diverse world.