Newswise — The University of California, San Diego has been named the 11th most ethnically diverse college in the nation, according to a new report.

Best College Reviews, a ranking service for American colleges and universities, recently released a list of the top 50 ethnically diverse schools. Statistics and definitions of race/ethnicity for the list were gathered from the National Center for Education Statistics, Diverse Issues in Higher Education and school websites.

According to the report, UC San Diego looks at diversity as an opportunity for education.

“UC San Diego is committed to cultivating a diverse and inclusive university community,” said Chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla.“When the collective talents of our campus members are united in an open and collaborative environment, creativity and innovation prosper, and the educational experience is deepened and broadened.”

Among the criteria for inclusion on the Best College Reviews’ list was a requirement that at least three races are represented by more than 12 percent at the school. It also considered factors including the number of scholarships, clubs, organizations and associations available for ethnic groups.

In the report, UC San Diego was praised for having strong support programs and centers such as the Black Resource Center, Cross-Cultural Center and Raza Resource Centro.

“We thank Best College Reviews for the distinction and we acknowledge that UC San Diego, as a public institution, must be vigilant in our efforts to achieve a campus that reflects the population of California, as it is fundamental to UC San Diego’s mission for a diverse and inclusive university community where learning is accessible to all,” said Becky Petitt, UC San Diego’s vice chancellor for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.

Best College Reviews also lauded UC San Diego for its various academic programs that focus on ethnic diversity, such as its majors and minors that include Ethnic, African, Middle-East, Judaic Studies and Chicano/Latino Arts and Humanities, to name a few. In addition, Thurgood Marshall College, one of the six undergraduate colleges within UC San Diego, requires “Dimensions of Culture-Diversity, Justice and Imagination,” a writing sequence that examines American society as part of the general education requirements.

For the full list of The 50 Top Ethnically Diverse Colleges In America by Best College Reviews, click here.

About UC San DiegoThe University of California, San Diego is a student-centered, research-focused, service-oriented public institution that provides opportunity for all. Recognized as one of the top 15 research universities worldwide and born of a culture of collaboration, UC San Diego sparks discoveries that advance society, drive economic growth and positively impact the world. Our students, who learn from Nobel laureates, MacArthur Fellows and National Academy members, are committed to public service. For the sixth consecutive year, UC San Diego has been ranked first in the nation based on research, civic engagement and social mobility. We are one campus with multiple pillars of excellence, a top ten public university that is transforming lives, shaping new disciplines and advancing the frontiers of knowledge. Learn more at www.ucsd.edu.