The Hispanic population in the United States is growing rapidly, and with that, the number of institutions that are serving their educational needs is also growing over time. These institutions are basically the Hispanic-serving institution that plays a vital role in ensuring access, support, and opportunities for Hispanic students in higher education. But, to those who are unaware, let’s first see what a Hispanic-serving institution is.
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What is a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI)?
Defined by federal law, an HSI is a degree-granting public or private nonprofit college or university where Hispanic or Latino students comprise at least 25% of the full-time undergraduate student body. This designation is certified by the U.S. Department of Education, making the institutions eligible for specific federal grants designed to support Hispanic student success.
Why are Hispanic-Serving Institutions Important?
HSIs are not just any normal institution; they are institutions that actively support Hispanic students through culturally relevant resources, diverse faculty, and targeted financial aid. Experts even say that these institutions foster a strong sense of belonging, especially for first-generation college students.
Advantages of HSIs
HSIs are the best of the Hispanic community, and here are some basic advantages of these institutions:
- Focus on student support services.
- Provide cultural resource centers.
- Offer financial assistance.
- Diversity in student and faculty bodies improves students' sense of belonging.
- Contributes to better retention and graduation rates.
- Institution’s initiatives like tuition lock-in, capped fees, and income-based tuition waivers help students graduate on time.
- Helps students avoid financial barriers.
List of Hispanic-Serving Institutions Located in the US
HSIs are spread across the U.S., though states like California, Texas, and Florida host the most. Here are some notable HSIs:
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Florida International University
Florida International University, aka FIU, is a public research university located in Westchester, Florida, United States. It was founded in 1965 by the Florida Legislature. The university came into force and started taking admissions from 1972. FIU is the third-largest university in Florida and the eighth-largest public university in the United States by enrollment.
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California State University, Long Beach
The second institution eligible for HSI is California State University, Long Beach (CSULB). It is also known in athletics as Long Beach State University (LBSU). It is a public teaching-focused institution, which is situated in Long Beach, California, United States.
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San Diego State University
San Diego State University (SDSU) is a public research university situated in San Diego, California, United States. It was founded in 1897 and is the third-oldest and southernmost university in the 23-member California State University (CSU) system.
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University of Arizona
The University of Arizona is a public research university, which is located in Tucson, Arizona, United States, and was founded in 1885 by the 13th Arizona Territorial Legislature. It was the foremost university that was established in the Arizona Territory.
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University of Central Florida
The University of Central Florida (UCF) is also a Hispanic-serving institution, which was founded in 1963, with its main campus in unincorporated Orange County, Florida, United States. It is also part of the State University System of Florida, and UCF started its classes in 1968 for students.
Conclusion
Hispanic-serving institutions are transforming higher education in the U.S. by creating inclusive environments, improving graduation outcomes, and reducing financial burdens. As more Hispanic students enter college, HSIs continue to play a critical role in ensuring they don't just enroll, but thrive.
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