PWI College Meaning?
Hey everyone! As a returning student heading back to college, I keep hearing about PWIs (Predominantly White Institutions) in conversations. Can anyone share some examples of well-known PWI colleges? Been out of the academic loop for a while and trying to understand this term better. Thanks!
Good question! A Predominantly White Institution (PWI) is any college or university where white students make up 50% or more of the enrolled student population.
Here are some notable examples across different categories:
Ivy League Schools:
Harvard University
Yale University
Princeton University
Columbia University
University of Pennsylvania
Top Private Universities:
Stanford University
MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)
Duke University
Notre Dame
Washington University in St. Louis
Major Public Universities:
University of Michigan
University of Virginia
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
University of Wisconsin-Madison
University of California, Berkeley
Ohio State University
Penn State University
Prestigious Liberal Arts Colleges:
Williams College
Amherst College
Swarthmore College
Middlebury College
Pomona College
While these institutions are classified as PWIs, many are actively working to increase campus diversity and provide support systems for students from underrepresented backgrounds. They often offer specific programs, resources, and communities to support students of color and promote inclusion.
If you're interested in alternatives, you might want to look into Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), or other Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) as well.
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