Excelencia's analysis provides a detailed profile of Latino students and the institutions where they choose to enroll to inform policy and mobilize action. < Back Latinos in Higher Education: 2024 Compilation of Fast Facts Excelencia in Education April 2024 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview Excelencia in Education's latest analysis builds on previous compilations of fact sheets to provide a detailed profile on Latino students and the institutions where they choose to enroll to inform policy and mobilize action. For 20 years, Excelencia has led the way through innovative, collaborative, and actionable efforts to accelerate Latino student success while increasing all student success in higher education throughout the United States. The fact sheets included in this compilation illustrate these efforts and inform Excelencia’s four policy priorities: affordability, institutional capacity, retention and transfer, and workforce preparation. Across this compilation, it is apparent that Latinos and the institutions where they choose to enroll face clear opportunities for action that benefits all students. Consider the following: Latinos … … are more likely to be the first in their family to attend college than any other racial group. … are more likely to receive the federal Pell Grant and are less likely to take out student loans to pay for college. … have the highest labor force participation rate compared to all other racial groups but are more likely to be represented in occupations with lower salaries. Institutions serving Latinos… … are predominantly Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), educating 63% of all Latinos in the nation while representing 20% of all postsecondary institutions. … are Seal of Excelencia certified institutions, graduating Latinos at a higher rate than institutions nationally. Table of Contents OVERVIEW OF LATINO STUDENTS This section provides an overview of the evolving profile of Latino students in higher education, including Latino males, Latinas, adult learners, and students in Puerto Rico. OVERVIEW OF INSTITUTIONS ENROLLING LATINO STUDENTS This section provides an overview of the institutions enrolling and SERVING Latino students amongst all, including institutions within Excelencia in Action (E-Action) network, Seal of Excelencia certified institutions, the top 25 institutions awarding credentials/degrees to Latino students (by award level) and primarily associate degree-granting baccalaureate (PAB) institutions. AFFORDABILITY This section outlines the pragmatic choices Latino students make to pay for their college education: by using grant aid like the Pell Grant or working while enrolled. INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITY This section describes the current landscape of HSIs and federal funding available with the purpose of building the capacity of HSIs to expand the educational opportunities for, and improve the attainment of, Latino, and all, students. WORKFORCE This section provides an overview of Latinos in the workforce, including their representation across occupations and earnings. This section also provides an overview of Latinos’ representation in STEM, health, and education occupations. *Data on page 9 of this compilation were updated on May 30, 2024 *Data on page 22 of this compilation were updated on September 25, 2024 Suggested Citation: Santiago, D., Arroyo, C., & Cuellarsola, L. (April 2024). Latinos in Higher Education: 2024 Compilation of Fast Facts. Washington, D.C.: Excelencia in Education. Made possible with the support and public leadership of 24 Seal of Excelencia certified institutions: Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

This brief shares student and administrator experiences, offering insights to help improve college affordability for Latino, and all, students in Texas and nationally. < Back College Affordability: Insights and Solutions from Texas Students and Postsecondary Leaders Lily Cuellarsola, Madelyn Lucas, and Deborah Santiago June 2025 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview Latino students in Texas make informed, pragmatic choices to pay for college, often shaped by state policy and institutional action. This brief builds on 20 years of Excelencia in Education’s research on college affordability for Latino, and all, students , highlighting insights from institutional leaders and student experiences to inform efforts in Texas and beyond. Excelencia in Education engaged students, administrators, and institutional leaders at the following nine Seal-certified institutions in Texas: Angelo State University St. Edward’s University Texas State University Texas Woman’s University The University of Texas at Arlington The University of Texas at Austin The University of Texas at El Paso The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley The University of Texas at San Antonio Read key findings and recommendations from our piece below. Key Findings Excelencia’s interviews with two groups: 1) students and 2) administrators/institutional leaders at the nine Seal-certified institutions in Texas revealed key insights into college affordability. Students are pragmatic in paying for college : Students prioritize financial stability and seek debt-free solutions, often opting for scholarships/grants and work-study over loans. While administrators view loans as strategic tools, students remain loan-averse due to concerns about debt. Student engagement across departments is transformative for students: Both groups agree on the importance of financial aid, but students find the most valuable information about scholarships and financial aid through academic departments rather than institutional outreach. Basic needs are crucial: Non-tuition costs, like housing, food, and transportation, are significant barriers, with students often foregoing paying for one over the other. Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) simplification posed challenges. The recent FAFSA simplification brought significant delays for students, families, and practitioners. Texas policies reflect these issues, as the state balances increasing costs with a commitment to keeping student debt manageable, though challenges remain in funding equity and affordability. Recommendations Students and institutional leaders share a commitment to improving college affordability, though they approach the challenge from different perspectives. Students emphasize the need for direct, practical support—such as affordable payment options, basic needs coverage, and personalized guidance. In contrast, presidents and administrators focus on broader structural reforms—including expanding public investment, advocating for adjustment of federal policies, and realigning institutional practices to address affordability at scale. Both groups recognize the importance of financial education and support services, highlighting opportunities for alignment that center student needs while advancing systemic change. Students recommend that institutions: Provide more affordable options , such as income-based scholarships and flexible payment plans, alongside clearer communication and targeted outreach; Offer affordable housing, dining, and parking , while increasing staffing in key departments like financial aid to meet basic needs; and Strengthen first-year guidance in advising and continued support through mentorship and financial literacy programs. Presidents and administrators recommend that state and federal policy: Cover tuition for students from families earning under $100,000 and expand promise programs; Expand Pell Grant support and adjust Pell lifetime limits to serve post-traditional students; Increase funding predictability and support student success initiatives, such as the College Cost Recovery Act; Realign financial aid policies to curb tuition inflation and coordinate funding more effectively to better support Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs); Control off-campus housing options and enhance transportation systems; and Require financial education for graduation and promote the value of diverse postsecondary degrees. Suggested Citation – Cuellarsola, L., Lucas, M., & Santiago, D. (June 2025). College Affordability: Insights and Solutions from Texas Students and Postsecondary Leaders . Washington, D.C.: Excelencia in Education. Featured Publications Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

Excelencia’s institutes, workshops, and convenings provide forums for sharing knowledge on effective strategies for Latino student success. These opportunities engage leadership from multiple sectors to focus on Latino students as essential to America’s human capital growth. Programs + Initiatives We Promote What Works for Student Success Excelencia in Education believes the nation can make a measurable difference in increasing Latino, and all, student success in higher education by coming together and taking action. Participate in the following programs and initiatives: have your institution enroll in the Excelencia in Action network nominate programs for the annual Examples of Excelencia learn about evidence-based programs attend the Celebración de Excelencia invest in Excelencia’s programs and initiatives Looking to know what works or connect with evidence-based programs recognized by Excelencia ? Let’s talk. 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 Latino, and all, students. Click here to contact us . LEARN MORE Examples of Excelencia A Community of Action Excelencia’s institutes, workshops, and convenings provide forums for sharing knowledge on effective strategies for Latino, and all, student success. These opportunities engage leadership from multiple sectors to focus on Latino students as essential to America’s human capital growth. Our partnership model and asset-based focus on Latino students leads to public recognition of students, institutions, communities and leaders making significant progress in improving Latino, and all, student attainment. Excelencia in Action LEARN MORE Capacity Building LEARN MORE

Andreia Nebel is President of Clarkson College and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Clarkson College Andreia Nebel President Institution website: https://www.clarksoncollege.edu/ Bio Page: https://directory.clarksoncollege.edu/Andreia-Nebel Andreia Nebel is President of Clarkson College and part of Excelencia in Action network.

Excelencia in Education is committed to accelerating Latino college completion while increasing for all. Our analysis shows persistent gaps between Latino and White students in Delaware, highlighting the need for strategies that accelerate Latino degree attainment and support success for all students. Latino College Completion - Delaware 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. To find out more, scroll below. DOWNLOAD FACT SHEET Degree Attainment for Latino Students (2026) 26% Of Latino adults (25 and over) had earned an associate degree or higher VS 48% Of White adults Fast Facts Delaware had the 40th largest Latino population in the U.S. Latino Population 18% K-12 Population 11% Total Population Enrollment 14% Latino Students 25% White Students Median Age 26 Latinos 49 White Median Income $35,427 Without a college degree $65,018 With a college degree Degree Outcomes At two-year institutions, Hispanics' graduation rate was equal to that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Delaware. At four-year institutions, Hispanics' graduation rate was 16%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Delaware. 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 Delaware Technical Community College-Terry Public, 4-year or above 11,012 1,940 18% 1,591 219 14% 2 University of Delaware Public, 4-year or above 18,812 1,859 10% 4,545 390 9% 3 Wilmington University Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above 8,497 1,376 16% 1,499 160 11% 4 Delaware State University Public, 4-year or above 4,630 393 8% 672 70 10% 5 Goldey-Beacom College Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above 634 105 17% 167 15 9% BACK TO MAIN LCC PAGE 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. Click here to contact us . Sources U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates. 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.

< Back to News Page Excelencia in Education Releases Comprehensive New Profile of Latino Students in Higher Education Apr 9, 2024 Contact: Media@EdExcelencia.org DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE Timely Analysis Provides a Touchstone to Better Understand and Serve One of the Fastest Growing College-Age Populations WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 9, 2024) – Excelencia in Education announces today the release of a comprehensive new profile of Latino students — one of the fastest growing populations in higher education — and institutions where they enroll in order to inform policy and mobilize action that ensures they are served well. It shows Latinos represent the majority of growth in the number of degrees earned nationwide, despite their lower degree attainment compared to all students. The analysis, “ Latinos in Higher Education: 2024 Compilation of Fast Facts ,” demonstrates Latinos account for 79% of the 4% overall increase in the number of degrees earned over the last five years. Latinos have made significant gains in degree completion, but only 27% of Latinos had earned an associate degree or higher in 2021-22, compared to 44% of all people. Latinos continue to be underrepresented across degree levels. “For 20 years, Excelencia has led the way with analysis and actionable efforts to accelerate Latino student success in higher education,” said Deborah Santiago, co-founder and CEO of Excelencia . “Our new compilation of fact sheets builds on these efforts, sets the stage for national policy discussions, and equips institutions to more intentionally serve the growing number of Latino students on their campuses while increasing success for all.” In addition to providing a comprehensive profile of Latino students, institutions that serve them, and the opportunities they face, the analysis informs Excelencia’s four policy priorities: affordability, institutional capacity, retention, and transfer. Key findings from the analysis include: Latinos are far more likely to be first-generation college students. Half of Latinos (51%) were first-generation college students, compared to African Americans (38%), Asians (30%), and Whites (22%). Latinos are more likely to receive the federal Pell Grant. In 2019-20, about half of Latino students (49%) received a Pell Grant, awarded to students displaying exceptional financial need. Only 26% of Latinos accepted federal student loans, fewer than any group except Asians (25%). Latinos have the highest labor force participation rate. Two-thirds of Latinos (66%) participated in the labor force in 2022. However, Latinos are overrepresented in lower paying occupations, with 34% in manual labor roles. Institutions serving Latinos are predominantly Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). 600 HSIs represent 20% of all colleges and universities yet educate 63% of Latino students. Seal of Excelencia certified institutions graduate Latinos at a higher rate than institutions nationally . Institutions with the Seal — a national certification for intentionally serving Latino students — represented less than 1% of colleges and universities yet enrolled 15% and graduated 17% of Latino students. Excelencia in Education works with a national network of institutions committed to knowing and intentionally serving Latino, and all, students so they thrive on their campuses. “Increasing the number of Latinos that earn degrees is essential to meeting our country’s workforce and civic leadership needs,” said Sarita Brown, co-founder and president of Excelencia . “We are proud to make common cause with institutional leaders who choose to be part of our national network committed to accelerating Latino student success in higher education. Together, they are ensuring America’s bright future with the talents of Latinos.” “Latinos in Higher Education: 2024 Compilation of Fast Facts” benefited from the support and public leadership of 24 colleges and universities that have earned the Seal of Excelencia : Arizona State University Austin Community College District California State University Channel Islands California State University, Fresno California State University, Fullerton California State University, Long Beach California State University, Northridge City Colleges of Chicago, Richard J. Daley College City Colleges of Chicago, Wilbur Wright College El Paso Community College Florida International University Grand Valley State University Long Beach City College Mercy University Miami Dade College San Antonio College South Texas College St. Edward’s University University at Albany, SUNY University of Illinois Chicago The University of Texas at Arlington The University of Texas at Austin The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley The University of Texas at San Antonio Access the full analysis: EdExcelencia.org/latinos-higher-ed-2024-fast-facts About Excelencia in Education Excelencia in Education leads a national network of results-oriented educators and policymakers transforming higher education to tap the talents of the Latino community and address the U.S. economy’s needs for a highly educated workforce and engaged civic leaders. With this network, Excelencia ensures access to excellence by promoting student achievement, informing educational policies, and advancing evidence-based practices to more intentionally serve Latino, and all, students. For more information, visit: EdExcelencia.org

Sarita E. Brown is Co-Founder and President of Excelencia in Education, a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to accelerating Latino success in higher education by linking research, policy, and practice to serve Latino students. < Back to Our People Page Sarita E. Brown President Excelencia in Education Email: sbrown@EdExcelencia.org DOWNLOAD BIO Sarita E. Brown is Co-founder & President of Excelencia in Education, a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to accelerating Latino success in higher education by linking research, policy, and practice to serve Latino, and all, students. A recognized leader and advocate for equity in higher education, she began her career at the University of Texas at Austin, where she built a national model for increasing the number of students of color in graduate education and in the academy. Once in Washington, DC, Sarita served in leadership roles in higher education associations, at American University and the Hispanic Scholarship Fund Institute. She was appointed as the Executive Director of the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans during the Clinton Administration. As Excelencia’s President, Sarita is responsible for the vision and governance of the organization, working with the Board of Directors to communicate with stakeholders and identify forward-thinking partners, funders and investors to support Excelencia’s mission. With over 30 years of experience catalyzing and supporting higher educational institutions and leaders to address equity, she applies her skills and energies to expanding Excelencia in Action (E-Action), Excelencia’s national network of college and university leaders who have committed to making their institutions learning environments where Latino, and all, students thrive.

Excelencia in Education is committed to accelerating Latino college completion while increasing for all. Our analysis shows persistent gaps between Latino and White students in Illinois, highlighting the need for strategies that accelerate Latino degree attainment and support success for all students. Latino College Completion - Illinois 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. To find out more, scroll below. DOWNLOAD FACT SHEET Degree Attainment for Latino Students (2026) 26% Of Latino adults (25 and over) had earned an associate degree or higher VS 51% Of White adults Fast Facts Illinois had the 5th largest Latino population in the U.S. Latino Population 25% K-12 Population 19% Total Population Enrollment 21% Latino Students 21% White Students Median Age 30 Latinos 44 White Median Income $37,191 Without a college degree $68,033 With a college degree Degree Outcomes At two-year institutions, Hispanics' graduation rate was 10%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Illinois. At four-year institutions, Hispanics' graduation rate was 16%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Illinois. 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 University of Illinois Chicago Public, 4-year or above 21,814 7,982 37% 5,177 1,612 31% 2 University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Public, 4-year or above 34,623 4,805 14% 8,482 1,117 13% 3 College of DuPage Public, 2-year 15,185 4,325 28% 1,895 453 24% 4 College of Lake County Public, 2-year 9,282 4,322 47% 1,383 493 36% 5 DeVry University-Illinois Private for-profit, 4-year or above 25,975 3,990 15% 3,722 641 17% BACK TO MAIN LCC PAGE 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. Click here to contact us . Sources U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates. 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.

Verónica Herrero is the Executive Vice Chancellor, City Colleges of Chicago, President, City Colleges of Chicago Foundation, and Excelencia in Education's Board Member. < Back to Our People Page Verónica Herrero Executive Vice Chancellor, City Colleges of Chicago President, City Colleges of Chicago Foundation Verónica Herrero serves as the Executive Vice Chancellor at the City Colleges of Chicago (CCC) and as President of the CCC Foundation. In her capacity, she provides leadership for the district in the areas of strategy, institutional effectiveness, external affairs, advancement, and marketing and communications. She also fosters partnerships across all sectors in support of CCC’s vision. In her previous role as Chief of Strategy and Staff, she architected CCC’s strategic framework, which is centered on a powerful vision that, as the most accessible higher education engine of social mobility, CCC Will empower Chicagoans to take part in building a stronger, more just city. She brings cross-sector leadership experience in strategy, student success, and education management through her previous roles at One Million Degrees, the UChicago Urban Education Institute, and Chicago Public Schools. Herrero serves on the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) as Vice Chair, and the Northern Illinois University Board of Trustees as the Chair of the Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and Personnel Committee.

< Back to News Page College Affordability Solutions from Texas Students and Postsecondary Leaders Inform National Efforts to Serve Latino, and All, Students Jun 26, 2025 Contact: Media@EdExcelencia.org DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE New Excelencia in Education Brief Highlights Recommendations Informed by Nine Trendsetting Institutions Ensuring Financial Access to Quality Education WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 26, 2025) – Excelencia in Education, the premier authority on accelerating Latino student success, while increasing all student success in higher education, released today a brief highlighting perspectives from stakeholders in three areas: 1) how Latino students in Texas make cost-conscious decisions to pay for college, 2) how trendsetting Texas institutions are making college more affordable, and 3) how state and federal policy can further improve college affordability. Drawing from interviews, the brief identifies affordability challenges and solutions from Texas college students, administrators, and leaders that inform national efforts to intentionally serve Latino, and all, students by ensuring financial access to a quality education. “Trendsetting institutions that commit to affordability and a strong return on investment for graduates, like those that have earned the Seal of Excelencia , exemplify how intentional leadership and support can deliver quality, affordable education for Latino, and all, students,” said Deborah Santiago, co-founder and CEO of Excelencia . “In turn, understanding how college students and leaders propose addressing affordability can inform and compel action to meet basic needs, contain costs, and support student success.” The brief, “ College Affordability: Insights and Solutions from Texas Students and Postsecondary Leaders ,” presents detailed information on the affordability experiences of Latino students — the largest student group in Texas — as well as other post-traditional students. It also outlines recommendations from students, administrators, and leaders aligned with four areas shaping college affordability: Paying for College: Students are pragmatic and seek debt-free solutions such as grants, scholarships, and work-study over loans to pay for college, while administrators see loans as tools supporting persistence. Despite diverging perspectives, both emphasize the urgency of maximizing income-based aid. Students recommend institutions provide income-based scholarships and flexible payment plans. Administrators and leaders recommend policymakers cover tuition for students whose families earn less than $100,000 annually — double the current income threshold for which Texas covers tuition — and that federal policy expand Pell Grant support and adjust lifetime limits. Navigating Support Systems: Students report the most useful information comes not from centralized financial aid offices but academic departments, where they have personal relationships. They recommend institutions strengthen first-year support by enhancing advising structures. Administrators and leaders recommend policymakers make financial education a requirement for graduation. Addressing Basic Needs: Basic needs and non-tuition expenses, including housing, food, and transportation, pose significant barriers to college access and success. Students we interviewed often navigate these barriers independently, commuting long distances, relying on SNAP benefits, and sacrificing one need to afford another. They recommend institutions offer more affordable housing, dining, and parking options. Administrators and leaders recommend policymakers control the cost and availability of off-campus housing and improve transportation systems. Applying for Financial Aid: Texas continues to lead nationally in institutionalizing financial aid completion through its policy mandating Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) submission as a condition for high school graduation. However, the recent simplification of the FAFSA introduced significant challenges. Students and administrators stress that timely, accessible, and equitable aid processes are essential for maintaining affordability and student trust in higher education. Excelencia engaged students, administrators, and leaders from nine institutions in Texas that have earned the Seal of Excelencia — a national certification for institutions that strive to go beyond enrollment to intentionally serve Latino students: Angelo State University St. Edward’s University Texas State University Texas Woman’s University The University of Texas at Arlington The University of Texas at Austin The University of Texas at El Paso The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley The University of Texas at San Antonio With this brief, Excelencia builds on over 20 years of effort to examine institutional policy and practice as well as federal and state policy to ensure college is affordable for Latino, and all, students. Earlier this year, the organization released “ How Latinos Pay for College: 2025 National Trends ,” a comprehensive analysis of how Latino students leverage financial aid and institutions ensure degrees are affordable. Access the full brief: EdExcelencia.org/research/publications/college-affordability-insights-and-solutions-from-texas-students-and-postsecondary-leaders About Excelencia in Education Excelencia in Education leads a national network of results-oriented educators and policymakers transforming higher education to tap the talents of the Latino community and address the U.S. economy’s needs for a highly educated workforce and engaged civic leaders. With this network, Excelencia ensures access to excellence by promoting student achievement, informing educational policies, and advancing evidence-based practices to more intentionally serve Latino, and all, students. For more information, visit: EdExcelencia.org

These programs positively impact their Latino students and local communities by incorporating intentional and culturally relevant evidence-based practices. Examples of Excelencia Finalists 2026 Excelencia in Education announces finalists and Programs to Watch for the 2026 Examples of Excelencia . This year, Excelencia is recognizing and elevating what works by highlighting practices in four key issue areas that are shaping and evolving the landscape of higher education for Latino, and all, students. The four areas are: (1) Career and Workforce, (2) Teaching and Learning, (3) Student Support, and (4) AI Innovation . The finalists recognized this year are making a measurable difference for students and their local communities through intentional, culturally relevant, evidence-based practices. Their programs offer sustainable and data-informed models that can inspire higher education leaders to advance student success across diverse institutional contexts. The 2026 Examples of Excelencia finalists join a Community of Practice for What Works—a national network of recognized programs dedicated to sharing what works, learning from one another, and driving institutional change that benefits Latino, and all, students. For more than two decades, Excelencia in Education has elevated evidence-based practices that are transforming higher education. Through Examples of Excelencia , the organization has reviewed more than 2,500 program submissions, recognized over 400 programs for their measurable impact, and awarded more than $2.2 million to support programs advancing Latino student success. Looking to connect with these programs or other evidence-based programs recognized by Excelencia ? Tell us what you’re looking for, and we’ll provide you with a curated list of programs making an impact on student success based on the state, academic level, or issue area of your interest. Contact us . CAREER & WORKFORCE: Blue Chip Leadership Experience | University of Arizona (AZ) Institution/Organization: University of Arizona State: Arizona Area of Impact: Retention Program Focus: Mentoring, Other, Leadership Program Focus: https://career.arizona.edu/blue-chip-leadership-experience/ Nursing BSN Bridge | San Antonio College (TX) Institution/Organization : San Antonio College State : Texas Area of Impact: Academic Program Program Focus : Adult Learners, Dual Credit Learn More : https://www.alamo.edu/sac/academics/program-index/nursing-education/bsn/ ? Spanish for Global Health and Human Services | University of Texas at Arlington (TX) Institution/Organization : University of Texas at Arlington State : Texas Area of Impact: Academic Program Program Focus: Bilingual/ESL, Other, Workforce Pipeline and Health Equity Learn More : https://catalog.uta.edu/liberalarts/languages/undergraduate/spanish-global-health-human-svcs-minor/ TEACHING & LEARNING: The Bridge-to-Math Doctorate Program | The University of Texas at Arlington (TX) Institution/Organization: The University of Texas at Arlington State : Texas Area of Impact: Academic Program Program Focus: Mentoring, Scholarship Student Experience Project Faculty Community of Practice | The University of Texas at San Antonio (TX) Institution/Organization : The University of Texas at San Antonio State : Texas Area of Impact: Retention Program Focus: Faculty Development Learn More : https://provost.utsa.edu/academicinnovation/sep/ STUDENT SUPPORT: College Access Latinx Initiative (CALI) | Portland Community College (OR) Institution/Organization : Portland Community College State : Oregon Area of Impact: Retention Program Focus: First Year Support, Mentoring Learn More : https://www.pcc.edu/college-access-latinx-initiative/ College Success Program | Latino Education Advancement Foundation (CA) Institution/Organization : Latino Education Advancement Foundation State : California Area of Impact: Retention Program Focus: Family Engagement, First Year Support Learn More : https://www.leafca.org/what-we-do/college-success-program Early College | Cerritos Community College District (CA) Institution/Organization : Cerritos Community College District State : California Area of Impact: Access Program Focus: College Prep, Dual Credit G-Force Work-Study Mentorship Program (TWU Go Program) | Texas Woman's University (TX) Institution/Organization : Texas Woman's University State : Texas Area of Impact : Retention Program Focus : Mentoring Learn More : https://twu.edu/firstgen/ Honors Living-Learning Community | Rutgers University-Newark (NJ) Institution/Organization : Rutgers University-Newark State : New Jersey Area of Impact: Access Program Focus : Other, Holistic student support Learn More : https://hllc.newark.rutgers.edu/ SOAR: Summer Orientation and Registration | Aurora University (IL) Institution/Organization : Aurora University State: Illinois Area of Impact: Retention Program Focus : First Year Support Learn More : https://aurora.edu/student-life/orientation/summer.html

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming education, and institutions can use AI responsibly and enhance pathways, research, and student support for Latino, and all, students. < Back How Institutions Can Use AI to Intentionally Serve Latino, and All, Students Excelencia in Education March 2026 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Fact Sheet SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping how institutions design pathways to opportunity, conduct research, and deliver student support. As the youngest and fastest growing, and increasingly AI-engaged population, institutions can use AI responsibly and intentionally to improve education for Latino, and all, students. This factsheet highlights how AI is reshaping education and actionable strategies for institutions to responsibly leverage AI to improve education, workforce readiness, and student support for Latino, and all, students. Latinos demonstrate strong engagement with emerging AI technologies, offering institutions an opportunity to expand access, build skills, and strengthen pathways into AI-enabled careers. Institutions can leverage AI responsibly to better serve students by: Preparing students for an AI-enabled workforce: Integrate AI literacy and applied learning into curricula, align programs with labor market needs, and create department- and institution-wide policies that support workforce readiness. Enhancing institutional research and decision-making: Develop comprehensive AI strategies, build staff capacity, and use data and analytics to inform program design and improve student outcomes. Expanding personalized and proactive institutional support and student services : Implement AI-enabled advising, tutoring, predictive analytics, and chatbots to provide tailored guidance, identify learning gaps, and scale access to critical resources. Suggested Citation: Excelencia in Education. (2026). How Institutions Can Use AI to Intentionally Serve Latino, and All, Students . Washington, D.C.: Excelencia in Education. Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce