Most LGBTQ-Friendly Universities
1) University of Chicago
2) Stanford University
3) University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
4) Cornell University
5) Brown University
6) University of California-Berkeley
7) University of Maryland-College Park
8) University of Wisconsin-Madison
9) University of California-San Diego
10) Emory University
Full list: Most LGBTQ-Friendly Universities 2015-16
UC San Diego has been ranked as the ninth most LGBTQ- friendly university in the nation, the school announced Friday.
Affordable Colleges Online — a website to help students and families find affordable higher education options — compiled a list of the top 23 Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning friendly campuses.
"We are honored to be ranked as one of the most LGBTQ-friendly universities in the nation," Chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla said. "UC San Diego is committed to diversity, and our LGBTQ-identified students play an essential part in contributing to our vibrant campus community."
To make it onto the list of affordable LGBTQ-friendly colleges, schools were required to have an LGBTQ student organization, gender inclusive dorms, and a policy of LGBTQ inclusion.
The ranking also included factors such as LGBTQ health and counseling services, as well as available LGBTQ/Gender Studies programs. The schools were then scored on retention and graduation rates, according to UCSD.
The report praised UCSD for having an LGBT Resource Center and a Critical Gender Studies undergraduate degree program. University officials said both initiatives provide students with a safe space to engage in dialogue regarding gender and sexuality identities, practices and politics.
"The LGBT Resource Center on campus fulfills UC San Diego's promise of working toward greater diversity and inclusion," said UCSD Vice Chancellor for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Becky Petitt. "Each of the campus centers at UC San Diego builds community among our diverse population of students, faculty and staff members."
Along with the LGBT Resource Center, UCSD officials said the Raza Resource Centro, Black Resource Center, Women's Center and Cross-Cultural Center all focus on serving the school's diverse communities.
