How has the racial and ethnic diversity of Ohio independent institutions shifted over ten years?

Colleges and universities strive to recruit students from a variety of backgrounds for many reasons, including ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to succeed in a diverse workforce.

This month’s Tableau visualization uses IPEDS 12-month enrollment data to illustrate how racial and ethnic diversity has shifted over the past ten years by institution sector. Across all institution types, the percentage of the student body identifying as students of color has increased. The data show that nearly one in four students at Ohio independent institutions identify as a student of color as of the 2020-21 academic year.

However, enrollment of international students has not fared as well. After reaching a peak in 2017-18, international enrollment has declined across all sectors. This follows a broader national trend of declining international enrollment, spurred further by the COVID-19 pandemic.