VCU has earned a spot as one of the nation’s “Top 100 minority degree producers,” according to a report by the magazine, Diverse: Issues in Higher Education.

Aug. 25, 2017

VCU recognized among nation’s top minority degree producers

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By Raina Fields
Division for Inclusive Excellence

Virginia Commonwealth University has earned a spot as one of the nation’s “Top 100 minority degree producers,” according to a report by the magazine, Diverse: Issues in Higher Education. 

The data is the only national report on the ability of U.S. colleges and universities to confer degrees to African-American, Latino, Asian-American and Native-American students and is the only national analysis to use the most recent data from the U.S. Department of Education.

The rankings detail the total number of degrees awarded at every American institution of higher education, as well as specific figures in academic disciplines. Overall, VCU was ranked No. 53 for total minority bachelor’s degrees and No. 49 for total minority professional doctoral degrees.

VCU was cited in the top 10 for degrees awarded to African-American students in: psychology (bachelor’s); marketing (bachelor’s); area, ethic, cultural, gender and group studies (bachelor’s); visual and performing arts (bachelor’s); physical sciences (bachelor’s); and dentistry (professional doctorate). VCU was also cited in the top 10 for degrees awarded to Asian-American students in: business (bachelor’s and master’s); homeland security (bachelor’s) and health professions and related programs (doctorate) and in the top 10 degrees awarded to Hispanic students in business (master’s). 

“We are honored to be among the ‘top’ universities committed to supporting the success of a diverse student body,” said Kevin W. Allison, Ph.D., interim vice president for inclusive excellence. “With more than 40 percent of the VCU student body reporting race or ethnicity from an underrepresented group, our students have the opportunity to learn within one of the most diverse communities within the commonwealth. We have a responsibility to intentionally enroll, retain, support and graduate a diverse undergraduate, graduate and professional student body.”

The report was published as VCU begins the implementation of a Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Action Plan and progresses to become a national model of diversity and inclusion. To learn more about the rankings and methodology of the “Top 100” list visit: http://diverseeducation.com/top100/.