Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) are making a big impact by offering resources designed to support underrepresented communities. In this blog, we’ll explore what makes HSIs unique, how they help students thrive, and what to look for if you're considering adding one to your college list.
Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) play a vital role in the educational landscape of the United States, particularly for Hispanic and Latine students. These institutions, designated as HSIs based on their Hispanic student enrollment, serve as important catalysts for access, equity, and success in higher education for underrepresented communities. This article will explore the history of HSIs, their role in supporting Hispanic students, how to identify an HSI, the resources and support they provide, and factors students should consider when deciding whether to prioritize HSIs when building their college lists.
What Are Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs)?
A Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) is defined as an accredited, degree-granting public or private nonprofit institution of higher education with at least 25% Hispanic full-time undergraduate enrollment. This classification is part of a broader initiative to enhance educational opportunities for Hispanic students, who have historically been excluded in higher education. HSIs exist across the U.S., primarily in states with large Hispanic populations, such as California, Texas, New York, and Florida.
Clarification on Hispanic Serving Institutions Definition
Importantly, the designation of an institution as an HSI is not based on the intent to serve Hispanic students but rather on enrollment numbers. This distinction allows for a diverse group of colleges and universities—ranging from community colleges to large research universities—to receive federal recognition as HSIs.
While the official definition of a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) requires a campus to have at least 25% Hispanic full-time undergraduate enrollment, we want to acknowledge that there are numerous schools doing amazing work for Hispanic students that may fall short of that number. This is understandable given the realities of the United States' population demographics: approximately 18% of the national population identifies as Hispanic. There are some states (Nevada, New Mexico, California, and Texas, for example) with significantly higher demographic representation, but because many schools serve student bodies from the whole nation and often include sizeable international student populations, the demographics on a campus often reflect the nation more than they reflect the state. For example, schools like UC Berkeley, with a Hispanic student population of 23%, offer substantial support to Latine and Hispanic students. We believe it would be a disservice to these students to exclude such institutions from our review based solely on this percentage. While the 25% benchmark is a useful guideline, our explanation goes beyond this specific threshold to provide more options to students.
The History of HSIs
The origins of HSIs can be traced back to the late 1980s and early 1990s when Hispanic students began to enroll in college at higher rates, but the number of Hispanic faculty, administrators, and resources lagged far behind. As this enrollment gap widened, advocates and policymakers recognized the need for targeted federal support to institutions enrolling significant numbers of Hispanic students. The U.S. government officially established the HSI designation in 1992 under the Higher Education Act (HEA), which provided additional federal funding to institutions that met the 25% Hispanic enrollment threshold.
This federal funding, known as Title V funding, was established to help HSIs improve their facilities, academic programs, student support services, and retention initiatives. Over time, the number of HSIs has grown substantially, mirroring the growing Hispanic population in the U.S. Today, there are over 550 designated HSIs across the country, serving more than two-thirds of all Hispanic undergraduate students.
The Importance of HSIs in Higher Education
HSIs are not only important for Hispanic students but for the broader goal of increasing diversity and inclusion in higher education. They contribute to the mission of higher education by creating environments where Hispanic students feel supported, valued, and empowered to succeed. This is critical, considering the historical disparities in educational attainment between Hispanic and non-Hispanic students.
According to data from the U.S. Department of Education, Hispanic students are more likely to be first-generation college students and to face financial, linguistic, and cultural barriers to higher education. HSIs help address these challenges by offering programs and resources specifically designed to meet the needs of Hispanic students. These institutions often serve as cultural hubs where students can connect with peers who share similar backgrounds, access mentorship opportunities, and participate in leadership development programs.
Moreover, HSIs contribute to the educational attainment of Hispanic students by increasing retention and graduation rates. A study by Excelencia in Education, a nonprofit organization focused on advancing Latine student success, found that Hispanic students enrolled at HSIs are more likely to persist in their education and earn a degree compared to Hispanic students at non-HSIs. This underscores the critical role these institutions play in closing the achievement gap for Hispanic students.
How to Identify an HSI
Students can determine whether a college or university is classified as an HSI by visiting the U.S. Department of Education's website or reviewing the HSI list maintained by Excelencia in Education. Many colleges also highlight their HSI designation on their websites, particularly if they are actively involved in programs that support Hispanic students. Additionally, prospective students can ask admissions counselors if the institution is an HSI or if they offer specific programs geared toward Hispanic students.
It’s important to note that while the HSI designation is a key indicator of the institution’s demographic composition, it is not a guarantee of the availability of specific resources for Hispanic students. Prospective students should do thorough research into the academic and support services offered by each HSI to ensure they align with their personal needs and goals.
Resources and Support Offered by HSIs
HSIs often provide a variety of resources and support services aimed at helping Hispanic students navigate the challenges of higher education. These resources can include:
1. Academic Support Services: HSIs frequently offer tutoring, mentoring, and academic advising tailored to the unique needs of Hispanic and first-generation students. Many institutions provide bilingual support and counseling to help students who are English Language Learners (ELLs) succeed academically.
2. Financial Aid and Scholarships: Because many Hispanic students face financial barriers to higher education, HSIs often offer scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial aid specifically for Hispanic students. Some HSIs also have partnerships with external organizations that provide funding for Hispanic students pursuing degrees in fields where they are underrepresented, such as STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).
3. Cultural Programming: Many HSIs host cultural events, clubs, and organizations that celebrate Hispanic heritage and provide opportunities for students to connect with their cultural identity. This can include everything from Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations to student-led organizations focused on Latine culture, language, and leadership development.
4. Career and Internship Opportunities: Many HSIs have partnerships with businesses, nonprofits, and government organizations that provide internship and job opportunities for Hispanic students. These institutions also often have career centers dedicated to helping students transition from college to the workforce, with an emphasis on supporting first-generation and underrepresented students.
5. Research Opportunities: HSIs also receive additional federal funding to support research and faculty development. Students attending HSIs may have increased access to research opportunities, especially in areas related to Hispanic communities, social justice, or public health. This can be particularly valuable for students pursuing graduate degrees or careers in research-based fields.
6. Community and Peer Support: One of the most valuable aspects of attending an HSI is the sense of community. These institutions often foster strong peer networks where students can build relationships, receive mentorship, and find a support system to help them navigate the challenges of college life.
Should Students Prioritize HSIs?
When building a college list, students—especially those from Hispanic or Latine backgrounds—may want to consider the potential benefits of attending an HSI. However, several factors should be taken into account when deciding whether or not to prioritize HSIs.
1. Cultural Fit: Attending an HSI can be a great option for students seeking a college environment that aligns with their cultural background. However, students should also consider the overall campus culture, academic offerings, and extracurricular opportunities to ensure that the institution is a good fit for their personal and academic goals.
2. Academic Programs: Students should evaluate the strength of the academic programs at each HSI they are considering. While HSIs are committed to serving Hispanic students, the quality of academic programs can vary. It’s important for students to find an HSI that offers strong programs in their field of interest, as well as research opportunities and support for graduate school applications or career placement.
3. Location: Many HSIs are located in states with large Hispanic populations, such as California, Texas, and Florida. Students should consider whether they want to attend college in a region with a strong Hispanic presence and whether they want to remain close to home or explore opportunities in a different part of the country.
4. Support Services: While all HSIs meet the 25% Hispanic enrollment requirement, not all HSIs offer the same level of support for Hispanic students. Students should research the specific resources available at each institution, such as academic advising, financial aid, cultural programming, and career services. This information can usually be found on the institution’s website or through conversations with admissions representatives.
5. Financial Considerations: HSIs often provide additional financial aid and scholarship opportunities for Hispanic students. Students should explore these options and consider whether attending an HSI could make college more affordable. However, students should also compare the overall cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, housing, and other expenses, at both HSIs and non-HSIs to make an informed decision.
Conclusion
Hispanic-Serving Institutions have become a cornerstone of higher education for Hispanic and Latine students in the United States. By offering targeted resources, support, and opportunities, these institutions help bridge the educational gap and empower Hispanic students to succeed academically and professionally. While HSIs provide a supportive environment for Hispanic students, each student’s priorities—whether related to academics, culture, or financial aid—will determine whether or not an HSI is the right fit.
Popular HSIs and Institutions with Great HSI-like Resources.
1. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
2. University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
3. University of Southern California (USC)
4. Florida International University (FIU)
5. University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin)
6. California State University, Long Beach (CSU Long Beach)
7. Texas A&M University
8. University of Arizona
9. San Diego State University (SDSU)
10. California State University, Fullerton (CSU Fullerton)
11. University of New Mexico
12. Pomona College
13. University of Miami
14. California State University, Northridge (CSU Northridge)
15. St. Mary’s University (San Antonio, TX)
About Us: With more than twenty years of experience, Collegewise counselors and tutors are at the forefront of the ever-evolving admissions landscape. Our work has always centered on you: the family. And just like we’ve always done, we look for ways for your student to be their best self - whether in the classroom, the applications, or in the right-fit college environment. Our range of counseling, test prep, academic tutoring, and essay management, all with the support of our proprietary platform, lead to 4x higher than average admissions rates.
