Ohio State ranks 50th among top universities conferring degrees to minority students

COLUMBUS - The Ohio State University ranks among the top 100 universities nationally awarding degrees to minority undergraduates, according to the June 2006 issue of Diverse Issues in Higher Education magazine. Ohio State ranks 26th nationally among all institutions, including historically black colleges and universities, for bachelor's degrees conferred to African American students during the 2004-05 academic year.

"Ohio State has been a national leader among African Americans receiving graduate and professional degrees for a number of years," said Mac Stewart, vice provost for the Office of Minority Affairs. "It is gratifying to know that efforts to provide academic resources and support services, and opportunities for personal growth and enrichment are benefiting our undergraduates who enroll with such a high degree of preparedness."

The number of African American students earning undergraduate degrees was 567, representing a six percent increase from the previous year. Additionally, Ohio State ranks 50th among all institutions with 1,203 degrees conferred to graduates of all minority groups, an increase of three percent.

Stewart added that university programs and initiatives have aided in the retention and graduation of students.

"The gap in the first-year retention rate for majority and minority students on this campus has nearly closed," Stewart said. "African American students returning for their second year increased to 88.1 percent last fall compared with majority students at 89.7 percent."

Ohio State also ranks among the 50 best colleges and universities for African Americans by Black Enterprise magazine.

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