Question about Diversity at Indiana University

Hi everyone! I'm considering Indiana University, but can't seem to get a clear picture of how diverse it is. Can anyone give me a better breakdown? What’s it like being a part of the student body? Thanks!

When thinking about diversity, it's important to consider factors such as geographic, racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, gender, sexual orientation, religious, and international diversity.

Indiana University Bloomington is quite a diverse school with students from all 50 U.S. states and more than 140 different countries. The university strives to celebrate and promote diversity, and they have numerous initiatives and centers aimed at supporting underrepresented student groups, such as the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center, La Casa/Latino Cultural Center, and the LGBTQ+ Culture Center.

In terms of racial and ethnic diversity, Indiana University is slightly less diverse than some universities, but is improving in these areas. As of the 2021 academic year, 66% of students identified as White, and about 10% identified as Asian. African American and Hispanic students made up 4% and 9% of the student population, respectively, while international students made up around 5%.

Of course, diversity isn't just about numbers. Students often comment on the inclusive and welcoming community at IU, a testament to the university’s commitment to creating a supportive environment for all students. The school offers various programs to encourage interaction and collaboration among people of diverse backgrounds.

However, the experience will vary from student to student, and a lot of it depends on your actions and the circles you choose to join. The big size of the student body can be both an advantage and a challenge. There are many opportunities to meet people from different backgrounds, but it may also require effort to seek out these experiences. A good place to start could be joining diversity-focused student organizations.

Remember, it might help you to visit the campus, either virtually or in-person, to get a feel for the student body. You should also consider reaching out to current IU students or recent alumni to hear about their experiences.

Remember, each student's experience with diversity on campus is unique, and I encourage you to reach out to the school or a current student to understand their individual experiences. This way, you can gauge if the environment at Indiana University aligns with your expectations for diversity and inclusivity.