5 Facts to Know about Hispanic-Serving Institutions

Over the last 10 years, the Hispanic and Latinx population in the U.S. has increased by almost 10 million. As these numbers continue to grow, universities across the country make room for more Hispanic and Latinx students, while also creating culturally-inclusive courses and campus organizations that advocate for minority students. Hispanic-Serving Institutions, or schools with 25% or more Hispanic and Latinx enrollment, are doing just that. 

To help you understand the importance of HSIs in the U.S., we’ve listed 5 facts you should know about these schools and the students who enroll in them. 

HSIs have been around since the 1980s.

In the 1980s, educators and policymakers had recognized HSIs as institutions that enroll a large concentration of Hispanic and Latinx students and began using the term to define these schools as the student population increased. But it wasn’t until 1992 that Congress formally recognized HSIs.  

67% of all Hispanic and Latinx college students attend HSIs. 

In 2017-18, HSIs enrolled around two-thirds of all Hispanic and Latinx undergraduates, or students with Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Central or South American, or other Spanish culture or origin. Enrollment numbers are so high because 83 percent of these institutions are located in six states and one territory including California, Texas, Florida, New York, Illinois, New Mexico and Puerto Rico, where Hispanic and Latinx populations are the highest in the country. 

There are more than 500 HSIs in the U.S. and numbers are growing.

As of 2019, 539 HSIs were located in the U.S. along with 352 emerging HSIs, which are defined as institutions with 15% to 24% Hispanic and Latinx student enrollment. HSIs have also grown by 344 since 1994, and have averaged an increase of 30 institutions per year since 2009. 

Hispanic and Latinx students feel supported at HSIs.

Since these schools have high numbers of Hispanic and Latinx students, it’s no surprise they feel more supported in an inclusive space. This group is made up of first-generation college students, adult learners, non-English speakers, immigrant students, and students taking care of families outside of the classroom. At HSIs, campus life can feel like home. 

Since HSIs recognize the large population of Hispanic and Latinx students, faculty and staff have put energy into cultural programs and educational support resources, such as:

• Cultural events with translators
• Academic courses related to students’ heritage
• Educational programs to help increase Hispanic and Latinx enrollment
• Extracurricular activities ran by staff of the same demographic

HSI programs have led to higher graduation rates in Hispanic and Latinx community.

A comforting on-campus experience makes students want to stay. That’s a big reason why HSIs have higher graduation rates for Hispanic and Latinx students. Here are the facts, according to Higher Education Today:

• Full-time students at public four-year HSIs complete within six years at a rate of 74.1 percent, compared to 42.7 percent using the federal graduation rate.
• Full-time students at private four-year HSIs had a six-year completion rate of 77.9 percent, compared to the federal rate of 49.1 percent.
• Full-time students at two-year public HSIs had a four-year completion rate of 40.3 percent, compared to the federal four-year completion rate of 25.5 percent.

After looking at HSI graduation rates, on-campus cultural programs, and the growing number of schools around the U.S., it’s clear that HSIs promote Hispanic and Latinx academic success. The diverse and inclusive atmosphere encourages students to network, get involved in campus activities, and complete their degree program at faster rates nationwide.

Want more tips for recruiting at Hispanic-Serving Institutions? Download our guide here.