Latino College Completion -
Tennessee
Nationally, the gap in degree completion between Latinos and their White peers continues. To make our country stronger and meet the economy’s demand for a highly educated workforce, we must ensure access to quality higher education for Latino, and all, students. This requires accelerating Latino degree completion, increasing completion for all students, and scaling programs and initiatives proven to support Latino, and all, student success. The following demographics, institutional data, and practices inform Latino degree attainment.
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Degree Attainment for Latino Students (2026)
27%
Of Latino adults (25 and over) had earned an associate degree or higher
VS
42%
Of White adults
Fast Facts
Tennessee had the 24th largest Latino population in the U.S.
Latino Population
12%
K-12 Population
7%
Total Population
Enrollment
17%
Latino Students
19%
White Students
Median Age
25
Latinos
42
White
Median Income
$34,164
Without a college degree
$59,424
With a college degree
Degree Outcomes
At two-year institutions, Hispanics' graduation rate was 5%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Tennessee.
At four-year institutions, Hispanics' graduation rate was 6%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Tennessee.
Top Institutions Enrolling and Graduating Hispanic Undergraduates, 2026
Rank | Institution Name | Sector | Total Enrollment | Hispanic Enrollment | % Hispanic Enrollment | Total Completions | Hispanic Completions | % Hispanic Completions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | The University of Tennessee-Knoxville | Public, 4-year or above | 28,763 | 1,727 | 6% | 5,568 | 273 | 5% |
2 | Middle Tennessee State University | Public, 4-year or above | 16,115 | 1,567 | 10% | 3,847 | 285 | 7% |
3 | University of Memphis | Public, 4-year or above | 13,645 | 1,504 | 11% | 2,948 | 224 | 8% |
4 | Vanderbilt University | Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above | 7,143 | 854 | 12% | 1,820 | 172 | 9% |
5 | Austin Peay State University | Public, 4-year or above | 7,365 | 845 | 11% | 2,528 | 257 | 10% |
Examples of What Works for Latino, And All, Students
Looking to know what works or connect with evidence-based programs recognized by Excelencia?
Our team can work with you to identify and connect with relevant programs making an impact on student success that can help you in your efforts to intentionally serve your Latino, and all, students.
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates.
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Excelencia in Education analysis using U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), 2023 Fall Enrollment, Graduation Rates Survey, and Institutional Characteristics Survey.