Objective: To understand the prevalence of hypertension and prehypertension among ethnic minority college students in a university in Qujing, compare ethnic differences, and analyze risk factors, so as to provide a basis for blood pressure intervention in young people. Methods: A total of 1,834 college students were selected by cluster sampling. Indicators such as blood pressure, height, weight, and abdominal circumference were measured, and statistical analysis was performed using chi-square test and multivariate Logistic regression. Results: Using 140/90 mmHg as the standard, the prevalence of hypertension was 3.9% and prehypertension was 26.0%; there was no statistically significant difference in the prevalence between Han and ethnic minority students (p > 0.05). According to the 130/80 mmHg standard, the prevalence of hypertension increased to 23.7%. Male gender and high-salt diet were risk factors, while non-abdominal obesity and non-smoking were protective factors. Conclusion: The detection rate of hypertension and prehypertension among college students in this university is relatively high, and the prevalence scale increases significantly after the downward adjustment of the diagnostic standard. Early screening and lifestyle intervention should be strengthened.