Recently released by BestColleges, in partnership with Campus Pride, the ranking is the latest in a string of recognitions based on NIU’s campus-wide efforts to ensure all Huskies feel welcome, included and valued.
University leaders say this most recent honor—based not only on targeted support programs for LGBTQ+ students, but also overall campus climate, policies, admissions programs, recruitment efforts and more—reflects the university’s commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) as a whole and the leadership position NIU now holds nationwide in this area.
“In a state like Illinois, with institutions that do value inclusion, we don’t take lightly the fact that what we’re doing brought us to that level of being the best,” said Molly Holmes, the director for the Gender and Sexuality Resource Center (GSRC). “I couldn’t be more thrilled that we rose to the top because we all work very hard, and we do take this level of support very seriously. We take this recognition as motivation to keep going and continue to build upon our efforts, as we know there is always room to grow.
“Our LGBTQ+ students matter, and I think our thoughtfulness and our nuances are paying off with this particular recognition.”
Seen as an authority in the industry and a trusted education advisor since 2013, BestColleges used the national Campus Pride Index and its own ranking methodology emphasizing college affordability and academic metrics, including admissions, enrollment, graduation and accreditation, to determine the rankings. A complete list of the best colleges for LGBTQ+ students in each state can be found here.
The national Campus Pride Index previously awarded NIU 5 out of 5 stars—the highest possible rating and the university’s highest ranking yet.
Source : NIU
