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As you analyze universities and colleges in America, you can find some significant diversity. Certain colleges are independent while some are public. There are two-year community colleges, large urban universities and small campuses in the rural areas.

Certain institutions focus only on providing undergraduate education while others provide professional and graduate programs. Every single college and university has its own goal and distinct mission. There are over 3000 varied colleges in America. The strength of American higher education in fact lies in this predominant diversity among various institutions which is their strength. This is also the reason why US higher education is one of the best in the world. In order to cater to the democratic society’s needs, it is important to preserve this interesting diversity.

In fact, a lot of universities and colleges believe that only a diverse and varied staffs, faculties and student bodies can help them fulfil their primary objective and mission. There are many reasons why institutions prefer ethnic and racial diversity in their admission process.

Educational experience can be significantly enhanced and enriched by diversity. Studying amidst students in a highly social and intellectual environment, who have completely different perspectives, beliefs and experiences; it is possible to learn some potent lessons.
 
Diversity in higher education helps foster a healthy society and also enhances personal growth of students and faculty. Pre-conceived notions are challenged on a continued basis encouraging different, unique and critical thinking. Students learn how to effectively communicate with people coming from different cultural and social backgrounds.
 
Diversity in universities and colleges makes workplaces and communities stronger. Today’s society is pluralistic and complex. Studying in a highly diverse environment equips students to deal effectively with societal challenges. It also fosters teamwork and respect for each other. It also helps develop communities that judge people based on their contributions and character qualities.

All this in turn creates a highly competitive economic environment in the country which is very necessary to rope in abilities and talents of all citizens and surge ahead in the 21st century.

Universities and colleges in America have always been spirited enough in facing challenges to achieve their goals. It is clear that there is no set role model or standard for colleges which can predict lifetime student or teacher contributions.

Of late, a lot of schools have experienced a decline in Hispanic and African-American student enrolment due to restricted freedom in determining who will be taught and who will teach. This is actually a situation that reverses a strong effort of decades to make higher education system in America all-inclusive and provide every one equal access.

No quota is required to achieve diversity in campuses. Diversity also does not mean including students who are not qualified enough and do not meet the eligibility criteria. The need of the day is for universities and colleges to consciously reach out to a diverse student group and build a healthy environment that can help further their mission of improving quality of education and strengthening the democracy of the country.