#1
most students of color among top-ranked midwest universities (NCES)
123
countries represented on campus
50
U.S. states represented on campus
Diversity & Inclusion
We strive to foster an environment defined by diversity, inclusion, and openness. With new ideas, experiences, and perspectives constantly available to you, our campus provides a space in which all students can succeed on their terms.
Meet Our Students
Every Illini has a journey. These are their stories.
Inclusive Spaces
Our cultural houses and resource centers work to provide open and safe places for people of all backgrounds to build support systems on campus.
Cultural Houses
Academic Support
The Jeffries Center supports the academic achievement, personal development, and graduation rates of first-generation, low-income, and historically underrepresented students at Illinois.
What do Illini have to say about The Jeffries Center? Read about two students' experiences.
Additional Resources
Cultural Student Groups
We offer nearly 100 student groups related to culture and diversity, and you can explore them all before arriving on campus. Don't see what you're looking for? You can always create your own group as an Illini, too!
Diversity Programs
Admitted students are invited to campus for a day-long event to learn about their next steps as an admitted student, hear more about housing and financial aid, tour campus, and meet with their new academic community. They explore the network of programs and support services that help promote the individual, social, cultural, and academic well-being of Black Illini while making connections with current students, faculty, and staff. Bus transportation is provided.
Seniors from the city of Chicago and other high schools in the Chicago area are invited to Multicultural Academic Achievement Receptions, where they're recognized for their academic achievements. We provide them with information about the college search process and encourage them to consider applying to Illinois. One of the receptions we offer is bilingual in nature (English and Spanish). We also host a Multicultural Academic Achievement Reception in Champaign for local students and their families.
Admitted students from EOP schools in the Chicago area and their families are invited to attend one of our Next-Up receptions. Attendees learn about the dynamic opportunities offered at Illinois through presentations and dinner conversations with staff, current students, and alumni. One of the receptions we offer is bilingual in nature (English and Spanish).
This day-long campus program is for President's Award Scholarship recipients and their families. It includes a reception, meetings with our colleges, a current student panel, informational sessions on student resources, and a residence hall lunch and tour. Transportation is provided from Chicago.
These virtual visit sessions, designed for Spanish-speaking students and their families, are held in Spanish and cover frequently asked questions among applicants. An Illinois admissions counselor will share valuable information about the application process, important dates and deadlines, and tips for both students and their parents for handling language barriers while navigating the steps to apply.
This day-long campus visit program for admitted African American students from the state of Illinois includes an overview of Illinois and admitted next steps, meetings with our colleges, conversations with current students, a tour of the Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Center, and productions by our performing arts groups. Bus transportation is provided.