Iowa State University’s multicultural students represent more than 16% of the student population for the third straight year, as the total number of enrolled multicultural students remains largely similar.
According to the Multicultural Summary from The Office of the Registrar, 4,914 multicultural students enrolled in the fall 2024 semester, down from 4,942 in fall 2023.
Summaries have been made by the registrar’s office since the 1998-99 academic year. That year, multicultural students represented 6.61% of the total student population.
Multicultural students now make up 16.15% of the student body, slightly down compared to 16.38% the previous year, which was the highest on record.
The number of students of two or more races grew from 851 to 889, and Asian student enrollment slightly increased from 1,243 to 1,249. Meanwhile, Black or African American student enrollment dropped from 773 to 724, and Hispanic/Latino enrollment fell from 2,015 to 1,995.
For Iowa State, recruiting and admitting eligible students remains a priority.
“Iowa State’s recruitment strategies are focused on recruiting and admitting all eligible students,” Laura Doering, associate vice president for enrollment management, said. “Eligibility is determined by the Board of Regents RAI formula. We have a robust recruitment program that includes outreach to students across Iowa, the U.S., and the world.”
Doering touched on the university’s effort to support students past admission.
“We have orientation and transition programming to support all students as they prepare to enter the university,” Doering said.
For a lot of students, financial aid is pivotal when it comes to making the decision to attend college.
“As part of our land-grant mission, we want to ensure all eligible students know college is an option for them,” Doering said. “Transparency in admission requirements and scholarships helps students and families understand admissibility and available financial aid options. Additionally, the MAP program helps Iowans begin preparing for college in 8th grade.”
The university also offers financial support to make college more accessible.
“Iowa State is committed to making education affordable and accessible to all students,” Doering said. “That’s why we have a financial aid program that provides support based on academic merit and financial need.”
Even though there was a slight dip in multicultural student enrollment, Iowa State officials remain committed and hopeful to pull in students from diverse backgrounds.
For more information related to student demographics, access the Iowa State Fact Book.
