Understanding Minority Support in Online Colleges
This post will highlight the five best online colleges for minority students. We’ve chosen them based on factors like tuition, educational value, and support services. Rest assured that each college on the list can cater to the unique needs of minority students.
According to the NCES, minority students account for 38% of undergraduates in the U.S. These students face several challenges. Unlike their white peers, minorities often face more challenging problems. These issues often impact how they learn and their overall well-being:
- Lack of Access to Resources
- Financial Barriers
- Lack of Representation
- Cultural and Social Isolation
- Bias and Discrimination
When choosing an online college, minority students must consider more than just tuition and fees. They need to evaluate support systems like tutoring, counseling, and cultural clubs. These resources ensure that these students won’t feel left out or misunderstood.
Featured Programs
Related Articles:
- Affordable Online Colleges for Minority Students: Top Choices and Resources
- Affordable Online Colleges Ranked by Diversity and Inclusion Programs
- How Online Colleges Are Addressing Barriers for First-Generation Minority Students
- How Online Colleges Support Minority Students: A Breakdown of Essential Services
Why Support Systems Are Important for Minority Students
Classrooms today are becoming more diverse, and this trend will only continue. But despite the growing number of minority students, many of their challenges are often ignored or not properly addressed. Minority students—whether based on race, ethnicity, income, or language—often experience unique struggles in the classroom.
Financial Barriers
This is the most obvious problem minority students face. The majority of these students come from low-income families and have a tough time keeping up with the rising costs of college.
A new WGU Labs and Savi survey reveals that the student loan crisis is hitting minority borrowers hardest. While 43% of all borrowers struggle with repayment, women and Black and Hispanic borrowers face even greater challenges. Forty-seven percent of women and 57% of Black borrowers reported difficulty managing loans, compared to 40% of men and 36% of white borrowers. Hispanic borrowers also reported a high struggle rate of 47%.
Academic Preparation Gaps
Because of differences in K-12 education, some students from underrepresented groups may not be as prepared when they get to college. This can make keeping up with classes harder and leave them feeling overwhelmed.
Microaggressions
Microaggressions are small but hurtful comments or actions that send a message that someone’s identity is less important or valid. Whether intentional or not, microaggressions can affect students from marginalized backgrounds.
Mental Health Struggles
The stress of facing discrimination, financial challenges, and a lack of support can take a big toll on mental health. These students face higher risks of mental health issues because of these combined pressures.
Cultural Mismatches
College campuses often have a dominant culture that may not align with the backgrounds of many underrepresented students. This can make them feel out of place, isolated, or unsure of how to navigate the social and academic life at school.
Climate of Exclusion
Some campuses still feel unwelcoming for underrepresented students. This is often because of a lack of diversity among faculty, staff, and in the curriculum, as well as policies that don’t always make space for inclusivity. This creates a climate where these students might feel excluded or invisible.
Fortunately, there are many affordable online colleges with minority support services. Tailored services, such as tutoring, cultural clubs, counseling, and more, can make a huge difference in overcoming these challenges. When these efforts are made, students get the tools, resources, and sense of belonging they need to excel in college and beyond.
Top Affordable Online Colleges with Support for Minority Students
Georgia State University
GSU is an affordable choice for students, no matter where you’re from. With tuition of around $12,500 per year (which includes fees, books, and supplies), you’ll get a high-quality education without breaking the bank. Plus, 97% of students who need financial assistance receive help, including scholarships and grants, making it easier to save on your education.
GSU is one of the country’s largest minority-serving universities. 75% of its students are non-white, and 60% qualify for Pell grants.
Their initiatives have allowed them to increase enrollment and graduation rates for minority students. The GPS Advising program uses data to track student progress and identify at-risk students early. This targeted support has greatly impacted graduation rates for minority groups. For instance, the graduation rate for African American males at GSU has tripled, rising from just 18% to 55% over the past 16 years.
In addition to its strong academic support, GSU has a vibrant campus community with numerous cultural clubs. These clubs allow minority students to connect, find mentors, and feel a sense of belonging.
Furthermore, GSU is also known as one of the most effective online colleges with tutoring and counseling for minorities. Students can request online tutoring anytime and get quick responses any day of the week.
Regent University
Regent University is one of the most affordable colleges, offering over 400 programs online. Regent has been known to celebrate and welcome diversity, with over 40% of its student population belonging to Historically Underrepresented Groups. It focuses on supporting students’ overall well-being and personal growth.
Regent offers a range of services for minority students. This includes:
- mental health counseling
- academic advising
- career guidance
- disability accommodations
Regent also offers various scholarships that minority students can apply for. In fact, over 80% of its students, including minorities, receive financial aid. In the 2020-21 school year, they received more than $22 million in institutional scholarships and assistance.
University of Maryland Global Campus
UMGC enrolls among the most diverse students. It enrolls around 24,000 African American students, 13,000 Latino students, and 5,000 Asian students. Moreover, 15,000 students identify as Native American, Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, multiracial, or other.
UMGC has a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Strategic Plan. This connects diversity efforts with university programs and processes. The main objective is to create an inclusive environment for all students.
It’s also famous for its Heritage Month programs, which highlight the histories, cultures, and traditions of various groups. Students can also join other online college cultural clubs and networking events.
Students can also join Study Abroad programs. The Terps Abroad program is committed to supporting the many identities of its students. UMGC understands that social identity can be influenced by the study abroad experience.
Southern New Hampshire University
SNHU is ranked as one of the best providers of comprehensive support for minority students. In fact, it is one of the latest colleges to focus on helping undocumented students afford their education. Some of the scholarships available for these students include:
- Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund
- Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) Scholarship
- Golden Door Scholarship
Many DACA recipients also lack a Social Security number, which is needed for FAFSA. To help, SNHU has partnered with The Shapiro Foundation and TheDream.US to create a $20 million fund for DACA students. The fund will cover full associate’s or bachelor’s degree tuition through SNHU’s College for America program.
Another SNHU effort for displaced/minority students is the Global Education Movement (GEM). Since 2018, SNHU’s GEM program has awarded over 491 B.A. and 941 A.A. degrees. Independent evaluations show that GEM students outperform college students in their home countries, with statistically significant results compared to a matched control group.
Rutgers University
Rutgers University has a diverse student body. In fact, 58% of students identify as minorities. With in-state tuition of around $11,000 and 62% of students receiving Pell Grants, it offers an affordable education.
The University Equity and Inclusion office at Rutgers drives efforts to create a supportive, inclusive community. It offers various academic success support for minority students and encouragement to foster a sense of belonging for all students. This includes workshops, mentorship opportunities, and leadership development programs.
Rutgers also provides several scholarships for minority students, such as the Rutgers Opportunity Scholarship and the Rutgers First-Generation Scholars Program.
Types of Support Services to Look for in an Online College
Tutoring and Academic Assistance
Tutoring and academic support are very valuable for all students. They can be especially helpful for minority students, who may not receive extra support in regular classrooms.
This type of minority support in online education also builds confidence. It helps students overcome challenges created by inequality. Academic support improves test scores, writing skills, and critical thinking. It creates opportunities for success in college and future careers.
Counseling Services and Mental Health Support
A study by the National Institutes of Health found that multiracial students had higher levels of anxiety and a greater risk of suicide compared to other groups.
Mental health problems among college students of color can be caused by:
- microaggressions
- discrimination
- imposter syndrome
- a negative campus environment
Having a safe space to discuss personal issues or academic stress can improve overall well-being and academic performance. Many colleges also offer virtual support groups, which can be helpful for students seeking a sense of community.
Cultural Clubs and Community Organizations
Starting in a new place and meeting new people can be pretty nerve-wracking. Cultural clubs give students a chance to experience culture in a relaxed way. This helps them see how they connect with a community with a common bond.
If students feel connected, they’ve found a group where they can grow their identity. If not, at least they’ve met others with similar backgrounds.
Cultural clubs also give students the space to reflect on their own identity and connect with others. They don’t have the strict barriers or requirements that some institutions might, like needing to speak a certain language. Instead, these clubs are all about connecting students to the culture and the culture of the people who share it with them.
Networking Opportunities and Mentorship Programs
Networking and mentorship are important for building a career, especially for minority students who might not have many professional connections or role models in their fields. Through these, students can also gain confidence in their skills. They learn how to stand up for themselves and be better prepared for career success.
Tips for Choosing an Online College with Support for Minority Students
Evaluating diversity and inclusion in online colleges can be a bit tricky. Here are a few questions you should ask to determine the accessibility and quality of their services:
- What opportunities are available for me to get involved and connect with the campus community?
- What is the representation of tenured faculty of color across departments?
- How would you describe the campus culture for students from diverse backgrounds?
- Does the university have an official diversity statement?
- Are there scholarships and financial aid for minority students?
- Is diversity a central component of the university’s strategic plan?
- What are the statistics on bias incidents reported at the university, and how are they addressed?
- What are the university’s policies regarding undocumented students?
- What are the retention and graduation rates for students of color, and are there any disparities?
- Does the university offer academic programs or departments focused on race-specific topics, such as African American Studies or ethnic studies?
You can ask admissions officers or tour guides about minority-friendly online colleges. However, it’s a good idea to talk to the chief diversity officer for more detailed answers. You can also ask the dean of students or others who work on diversity and inclusion.
If you need special accommodations, contact Residence Life or the office that handles disability services. Student groups that focus on specific communities can also give you an honest view of campus life. Experts suggest watching for red flags, like if officials avoid certain questions or give unclear answers.
Conclusion to Minority Support in Online Colleges
When choosing an online college, look beyond tuition and programs. Check the college’s support systems for minority students. Evaluate its financial aid, mentorship, counseling, and community opportunities. Ensure the school’s culture is inclusive and they have real resources to help you succeed.