The University of Pittsburgh is a top college for LGBTQIA+ students

Pitt has been recognized for its inclusivity and support of LGBTQIA+ students by Best Colleges in partnership with Campus Pride.

The University’s No. 20 ranking in the Best Schools in America for LGBTQ+ students in 2022 is credited to its gender-inclusive housing options, the Division of Student Affairs LGBTQIA+ resource page and the incorporation of LGBTQIA+ students in fraternities and sororities.

“At Pitt, we have intentional avenues in place to support students, from normalizing the use of pronouns to making space for students to identify however they choose to identify; the University is where you can be your authentic self,” said Linda Williams-Moore, associate dean of students and director of student life.

More than 400 schools are included in the report, which is drawn from an intersection of Best Colleges’ academic outcome and affordability data and the Campus Pride Index, a yearly survey assessing universities and colleges’ LGBTQIA+ campus climate and policies. 

Since March 2021, when Best Colleges and Campus Pride Index pulled their statistics and surveys, Pitt has done even more to uplift its LGBTQIA+ students, Williams-Moore said.

This spring, the Division of Student Affairs named its inaugural coordinator of belonging and inclusion, Ali Hoefnagel. The position provides a full-time Division of Student Affairs staff member to support Pitt’s queer student population and advise the Rainbow Alliance.

“Those seeking LGBTQIA+ community — seeking a sense of belonging — will find it here,” Williams-Moore said.

— Nichole Faina