The University of Iowa has been described by The Multicultural Student's Guide to Colleges as one of the most progressive universities for minorities in the Midwest and is ranked among the top 100 schools for Hispanic doctoral students by Hispanic Outlook magazine.

Iowa also is an associate member of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, a leading advocate for increasing Hispanic access to higher education. The membership provides more opportunities for internships, networking, and scholarships for Hispanic and Latino students at Iowa.

Información en Español
Información para posibles alumnos del primer año y para sus padres. (Information in Spanish for the families of prospective first-year students.)

Información en Español

Support networks

• Center for Diversity & Enrichment—This office coordinates a variety of campus programs and services designed to create a welcoming climate for students of color, first-generation college students, and students from low-income families.
• Iowa Edge—This freshman introduction to campus is held the week before fall classes begin to welcome African American, Asian American, Latino/Hispanic, American Indian, and first-generation college students to the University.
• Latino/Native American Cultural Center—Visit this home-like atmosphere for studying, socializing, programs, and services.
• Sigma Lambda Beta—This Latino fraternity was founded on the University of Iowa campus in 1986.
• Sigma Lambda Gamma—This Latina sorority was formed in 1990 by a group of 19 University of Iowa students.
• Ethnic Inclusion Effort for Iowa Engineering—This program provides a challenging and supportive atmosphere for multiethnic engineering students.
• Iowa Biosciences Advantage—This University diversity initiative provides resources and mentors for students studying in the area of biosciences and students pursuing careers in the health sciences.
• Latino and Native American Alumni Alliance (LaNA3)—This group's goal is to further the enrollment and advancement of Latino and Native American students, staff, and faculty at The University.
• Living-Learning Communities in the Residence Halls—These housing options are for students who want to live with other students who share their academic interests. Interest groups range from international studies to business, health care, performing arts, and multicultural studies.
• Student Organizations—It's easy to meet people outside of class by joining a student group. There are more than 400 student groups at Iowa, each formed around a common interest or activity ranging from politics to swing dance. Groups of interest may include the Alliance of Latinos Moving Ahead (ALMA) and the Latin American Dance Club.

Curriculum
Iowa offers more than 100 areas of study for undergraduates, including several programs with a diversity focus:

• Academic Programs for Students from Underrepresented Groups —These curricular and co-curricular programs are designed to introduce and welcome members of underrepresented minority groups to various areas of study at Iowa, including business, law, biology, and scientific research.
• Latin American Studies Program—An interdisciplinary program focusing on many different aspects of life in Central and South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean, as well as on Latinos in the United States. Course work includes anthropology, art, history, political science, Portuguese, and Spanish.

Education and advocacy

• Office of Equal Opportunity & Diversity—This University office supports and enhances the University's commitment to recruiting and retaining a diverse community of faculty, staff, and students at Iowa.
• Council on the Status of Latinos—This group addresses the needs and concerns of Latino faculty, staff, and students.

Financial aid and scholarships

• UI Minority Scholarships—UI scholarships specifically awarded to members of diverse or underrepresented groups include (but are not limited to) the Iowa Minority Academic Grants for Economic Success, the Advantage Iowa Award, and the Halas-Sayers Scholarship. You can find details about many of these scholarships on our web site, but be sure to check other web sites for additional scholarship opportunities.
• UI Office of Student Financial Aid—If paying for your education is an issue, start your scholarship search here by finding out how to file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This federal form collects the income-related data used by most colleges to determine your eligibility for scholarships (and grants and loans) based on your financial need.
• External Scholarship Resources for Diverse Populations (419KB)*—This 33-page resource guide, compiled by Val Garr, director of Diversity Relations and Outreach in the UI Office of Admissions, contains information about scholarship opportunities outside the University.

Programs for high school students
High school students who are members of underrepresented minority groups are encouraged to visit campus by participating in a variety of summer programs. Contact the Center for Diversity & Enrichment for more information about Opportunity at Iowa program offerings in the following areas:

• Biology
• Creative Writing
• Entrepreneurship
• Forensics
• Life and Health Sciences
• Journalism
• Math
• Music
• Scientific Research

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