What is a PWI?
PWI stands for Predominantly White Institution. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) in 2020, PWIs accounted for 74% of all degree-granting institutions in the United States. PWIs are characterized by a student body that is predominantly white, with a low percentage of students from racial and ethnic minority groups.
Demographics of PWIs
- Student body: In 2020, the average undergraduate enrollment at PWIs was 10,135 students. Of these students, 79.8% were white, 8.8% were Hispanic, 6.4% were black, 5.1% were Asian, and 0.8% were Native American.
- Faculty: In 2020, the average faculty size at PWIs was 544. Of these faculty members, 81.4% were white, 6.2% were Hispanic, 5.4% were black, 4.3% were Asian, and 0.7% were Native American.
Challenges Facing PWIs
PWIs face a number of challenges, including:
- Lack of diversity: PWIs are often criticized for their lack of diversity, which can create a hostile environment for students of color.
- Racial bias: PWIs have been shown to have a racial bias in their admissions, hiring, and disciplinary practices.
- Stereotypes: PWIs often perpetuate stereotypes about students of color, which can lead to discrimination.
Benefits of Attending a PWI
Despite the challenges, PWIs can also offer a number of benefits to students, including:
- Access to quality education: PWIs typically have strong academic programs and resources.
- Networking opportunities: PWIs offer students the opportunity to network with a wide range of people, including potential employers and mentors.
- Diversity: While PWIs may not be as diverse as some other types of institutions, they are still more diverse than the general population.
How to Choose a PWI
If you are considering attending a PWI, there are a number of factors you should consider, including:
- The size of the school: PWIs vary in size from small liberal arts colleges to large research universities.
- The location of the school: PWIs are located all over the country, so you should choose a school that is in a location that you are interested in.
- The academic programs offered: PWIs offer a wide range of academic programs, so you should choose a school that offers the programs that you are interested in.
- The cost of attendance: PWIs can be expensive, so you should make sure that you can afford the cost of attendance before you enroll.
Conclusion
PWIs can be a good option for students who are looking for a quality education and access to a diverse range of people. However, it is important to be aware of the challenges that PWIs face so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not a PWI is the right choice for you.
Tables of Data
| Table 1: Undergraduate Enrollment at PWIs by Race/Ethnicity |
|—|—|
| White | 79.8% |
| Hispanic | 8.8% |
| Black | 6.4% |
| Asian | 5.1% |
| Native American | 0.8% |
| Other | 0.1% |
| Table 2: Faculty Size at PWIs by Race/Ethnicity |
|—|—|
| White | 81.4% |
| Hispanic | 6.2% |
| Black | 5.4% |
| Asian | 4.3% |
| Native American | 0.7% |
| Other | 2.0% |
| Table 3: Average Cost of Attendance at PWIs |
|—|—|
| Tuition and fees | $27,020 |
| Room and board | $12,920 |
| Other expenses | $2,500 |
| Total | $42,440 |
| Table 4: Graduation Rates at PWIs by Race/Ethnicity |
|—|—|
| White | 64.5% |
| Hispanic | 57.9% |
| Black | 49.7% |
| Asian | 70.1% |
| Native American | 53.6% |
Questions to Ask Yourself
- What are my academic goals?
- What type of environment do I want to learn in?
- How important is diversity to me?
- What is my budget?
Strategies for Success at a PWI
- Get involved in campus organizations.
- Seek out mentors and role models.
- Be assertive and speak up for yourself.
- Take advantage of the resources that are available to you.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Mistakes to Avoid at a PWI
- Don’t isolate yourself from other minority students.
- Don’t be afraid to speak up about racism or discrimination.
- Don’t give up on your goals.
Interviews with experts