51³Ô¹Ï

This (September 15–October 15), 51³Ô¹Ï recognizes the vital role of and the diverse 5.6 million students they educate across the United States. The now designated as HSIs serve as powerful engines of opportunity and access.

What Are Hispanic-Serving Institutions?

Congress established the HSI designation in 1992, following years of advocacy that highlighted both the rapid growth of Latino communities in the United States and the barriers students faced in accessing and completing higher education. In 1995, Congress began providing federal appropriations to HSIs to help address these disparities.

Under the Higher Education Act, a HSI is defined as a not-for-profit, degree-granting institution with at least 25% Hispanic undergraduate full-time equivalent enrollment and, at minimum, 50% of those students considered low-income. Colleges with Hispanic full-time enrollment between 15% and 24.99% are identified as Emerging HSIs. Unlike other Minority-Serving Institutions created to serve specific populations, such as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), most HSIs have received their designation because of demographic shifts over time.

HSIs exist in 30 US states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, with the largest number (81%) concentrated in urban areas of California (171), Texas (112), Puerto Rico (56), Illinois (39), New York (39), and Florida (29).

The Impact of Hispanic-Serving Institutions

HSIs play a critical role in advancing Latino student success. The reports that HSIs enroll 67.3% of all Latino undergraduate students in the United States—and 33% of undergrad students overall. Between 1996 and 2016, census data shows, Latino enrollment in higher ed institutions grew by 18% despite overall enrollment rising only 5%. Enrollment at HSIs skyrocketed 281% over the same period, with Latino enrollment growing to nearly two million students. By 2017–2018, nearly two-thirds of Latino college students were enrolled at an HSI. Student retention rates at HSIs are slightly higher than the national average (67% vs. 66%).

Challenges Facing Hispanic-Serving Institutions

Despite these gains, HSIs face challenges. The six-year graduation rates at HSIs remain below the national average (43% vs. 57%), due to several contributing factors. Many Latino students enroll part-time, and federal data typically count only first-time, full-time students. Additionally, low-income students, who make up a significant portion of the student population at HSIs, are less likely to continue year to year or graduate, and nearly half of Latino undergraduates take remedial courses, which add cost and time to degree completion.

Looking Ahead

As the Latino population and the number of college-bound Latino students pursuing higher education continue to grow, the role of HSIs will only become more essential. These institutions are uniquely positioned to expand educational opportunity and improve outcomes for the next generation of Latino students.

Sources

, Hispanic Association of Colleges & Universities

, Postsecondary National Policy Institute