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 California, highlighting the need for strategies that accelerate Latino degree attainment and support success for all students. Latino College Completion - California 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) 23% Of Latino adults (25 and over) had earned an associate degree or higher VS 58% Of White adults Fast Facts California had the largest Latino population in the U.S. Latino Population 52% K-12 Population 40% Total Population Enrollment 24% Latino Students 25% White Students Median Age 31 Latinos 47 White Median Income $36,147 Without a college degree $77,435 With a college degree Degree Outcomes At two-year institutions, Hispanics' graduation rate was 9%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in California. At four-year institutions, Hispanics' graduation rate was 13%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in California. 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 California State University-Fullerton Public, 4-year or above 36,956 20,073 54% 9,065 4,358 48% 2 California State University-Northridge Public, 4-year or above 32,357 18,508 57% 8,520 4,452 52% 3 California State University-Long Beach Public, 4-year or above 34,131 17,500 51% 8,633 4,089 47% 4 California State University-Los Angeles Public, 4-year or above 21,478 16,572 77% 5,596 4,028 72% 5 Mt San Antonio College Public, 2-year 25,311 16,566 65% 3,484 2,218 64% 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.

This brief highlights resilience efforts at 5 Puerto Rican Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) amid economic disruptions, demographic shifts, and natural disasters. < Back Institutional Resilience in Puerto Rico: A First Look at Efforts by Puerto Rican HSIs Excelencia in Education February 2023 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview Over the last five years, Puerto Rico has faced fiscal and economic disruptions, demographic shifts, hurricanes and earthquakes, governance challenges, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. While most of these conditions are not new to Puerto Rico, the intersection of all these challenges created a nexus for institutional resilience and efforts. This brief is the second phase of a multi-tiered project–the first of which was an environmental scan of conditions and context of the population, K-12 educational pipeline, higher education, and workforce in Puerto Rico that Excelencia published in 2021. While this brief is not meant to be exhaustive of the experiences of institutions and students in Puerto Rico, it is indicative in a broader sense of institutional resilience and transformation to meet their mission and goals to serve their communities with a quality education. Excelencia in Education engaged five Puerto Rican HSIs in a series of interviews to learn more about their efforts in resilience in the last five years: Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo Universidad Ana G. Méndez-Gurabo University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez University of Puerto Rico-Río Piedras University of Puerto Rico-Utuado Findings These five HSIs are adapting to compounding challenges in their current context. From the interviews with these institutions, Excelencia identified key efforts that demonstrate these institutions’ resilience: Sustaining institutional management. Leadership at these five institutions described the restructuring strategies they implemented to sustain their institution. Some of these strategies included making staffing changes, consolidating their student services and academic programs, streamlining degree requirements, and seeking external funding. Managing enrollment plans and expectations. To address enrollment challenges, these HSIs have enhanced and adapted their recruitment strategies to more intentionally recruit students to their institution. These strategies included expanding program offerings to students in the mainland, holding Open Houses, placing emphasis on robust academic programs, and utilizing new outreach mediums such as social media to reach more students. Supporting students by meeting their basic needs and providing wraparound services. To retain their students, these institutions aimed at holistically serving their students by meeting students' basic needs. Institutions provided access to meals, additional financial support, mental health services and counseling, and intentional outreach throughout their students’ trajectory. Preparing students for graduation and post-completion. Institutional leadership at these institutions emphasized the importance of connecting their graduating students to Puerto Rico’s workforce through dedicated career development opportunities for students, internship experiences, job fairs, and opportunities for research experience and continuing on their education at the graduate level. This publication was developed with the generous support of the Ascendium Education Group. Special thanks to Margarita Benítez, Senior Associate, and Hilda Colón Plumey, Professional Educational Consultant who were integral parts of this analysis and led the interviews with institutional leaders and administrators. Suggested Citation: Santiago, D., Labandera, E., Arroyo, C. (February 2023). Institutional Resilience in Puerto Rico: A First Look at Efforts by Puerto Rican HSIs. Washington, D.C.: Excelencia in Education. Learn more about Latino College Completion in Puerto Rico Read our an environmental scan of colleges and universities in Puerto Rico in Higher Education in Puerto Rico: Conditions and Context Influencing Institutional Resilience WEBINAR: Institutional Resilience in Puerto Rico: A First Look at Efforts by Puerto Rican HSIs Given the changing conditions and context of higher education in the U.S. in recent years, HSIs have had to adapt and sustain to continue to enroll, retain, and graduate their Latino, and all, students. In particular, Puerto Rico has faced fiscal and economic disruptions, demographic shifts, natural phenomena, governance challenges, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Hear from Institutional leaders from HSIs in Puerto Rico and the mainland as they share their perspectives and leadership efforts of how they intentionally serve their Latino students even during challenging times. Infographics to share Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

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 Connecticut, highlighting the need for strategies that accelerate Latino degree attainment and support success for all students. Latino College Completion - Connecticut 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) 29% Of Latino adults (25 and over) had earned an associate degree or higher VS 56% Of White adults Fast Facts Connecticut had the 18th largest Latino population in the U.S. Latino Population 27% K-12 Population 19% Total Population Enrollment 21% Latino Students 25% White Students Median Age 31 Latinos 48 White Median Income $37,296 Without a college degree $72,559 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 Connecticut. At four-year institutions, Hispanics' graduation rate was 15%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Connecticut. 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 Connecticut State Community College Public, 2-year 32,292 10,444 32% 4,380 1,022 23% 2 University of Connecticut Public, 4-year or above 19,147 3,091 16% 5,558 804 14% 3 Central Connecticut State University Public, 4-year or above 7,670 1,534 20% 1,778 274 15% 4 Southern Connecticut State University Public, 4-year or above 6,180 1,519 25% 1,667 357 21% 5 Post University Private for-profit, 4-year or above 18,975 1,237 7% 1,956 285 15% 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.

Excelencia tracks 4 measures of equity gaps to inform action: Latinos' enrollment and attainment growth, and Latinos’ progress in graduation and completion rates. < Back Closing the Equity Gap in Educational Attainment for Latinos September 2018 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview The nation can increase degree attainment for all, but closing the gap between Latinos and other groups requires an intentional and tactical strategy to accelerate Latinos’ attainment. This is not an “us vs. them” approach. Excelencia in Education is tracking four measures of equity gaps to inform action: Latinos’ growth in: 1) enrollment, and, 2) attainment, and Latinos’ progress in: 3) graduation rates, and 4) completion rates. While college enrollment overall has decreased, Latino enrollment has increased significantly over the past 6 years. From 2010-2016, enrollment decreased 6% overall - led by a 16% decrease for White and 15% for Black students - but increased 25% for Latino and 2% for Asian/Pacific Islander students. Almost 1 in 5 undergraduate students today are Latino. Latino students have increased representation from 14 to 19%. Latinos’ degree attainment has grown significantly while overall degree attainment has increased more slowly over the past 6 years. Associate degree attainment grew 7% overall. The largest growth was by Latinos (55%), but degree attainment decreased most for White (-6%) and American Indian/Native American students (-7%). Baccalaureate degree attainment grew 12% overall. The largest growth was by Latinos (52%), while White students had a slight increase of 1% and American Indian/Native American students decreased significantly (-18%). Graduation rates increased equally for White and Latino students over 10 years; therefore, the gap in educational attainment remained the same. From 2005 to 2014, graduation rates - degree completion of 1st time, full-time students within 150% of time from enrollment - improved 2% for both White and Latino students. In 2015, 54% of Latino students were enrolled full-time. Latino students' completion rates are higher than graduation rates and include more students, but still need to increase in order to close the gap in completion rates with others overall. Latino students' completion rate - including part-time, transfer, stop out, and students from both 2- and 4-year institutions - was 47% compared to 63% for White and Asian students. Latino students are more likely to still be enrolled 6 years after enrollment than other groups. Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

< Back to News Page Colleges and Universities That Have Earned the Seal of Excelencia Lead Among the Nation’s Top Institutions in Economic Mobility for Hispanic Students Aug 31, 2026 Contact: Media@EdExcelencia.org DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE Excelencia in Education and Washington Monthly Partner to Highlight Seal-Certified Institutions’ Positive Impact WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 31, 2026) – The Washington Monthly released the second annual edition of the Best Colleges for Hispanic Students today, informed by Excelencia in Education’s extensive data and knowledge of institutions intentionally serving Latino, and all, students. Institutions that have earned the Seal of Excelencia for demonstrating continuous improvement in student success lead the analysis, accounting for 34 of the top 100 two-year and four-year colleges and universities educating Latinos nationwide. The Best Colleges for Hispanic Students release combines the accessibility focus of the Monthly’s college rankings with the deep knowledge that Excelencia has built over more than 20 years of listening to, learning from, and working with colleges and universities. Washington Monthly’s rankings focus on Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), applying Excelencia’s data on transfer and graduation rates of Latino students to provide unique insight into how leading institutions go beyond enrollment to facilitate access to excellence. Excelencia gathers this information and more on institutional efforts and policies from the hundreds of institutions that apply for the Seal of Excelencia . The Seal is a student-centered, data-informed certification that holds colleges and universities accountable for showing momentum leading to continuous improvement in outcomes. Institutions earn this standard of excellence through an intentional alignment of data, evidence-based practices, and leadership. The ranking includes whether an institution has earned the Seal alongside measures of net price and percentage of Pell students. “The Seal of Excelencia recognizes and drives excellence at institutions serving Latino students because intentional, mission-driven investment in serving this population ensures all of our students, communities, and country are served," said Deborah Santiago, Excelencia in Education Co-founder and CEO. "For students and families, the Seal is a clear signal that an institution creates the conditions needed for them to thrive before and beyond graduation. That’s why Seal-certified institutions feature prominently in this year’s Best Colleges for Hispanic Students." “It is more important than ever to recognize and celebrate colleges that are doing right by their Hispanic students,” said Kainoa Lowman, Editor at the Washington Monthly . “That’s why the Monthly is proud to bring readers our second annual edition of the Best Colleges for Hispanic Students, which combines the social mobility focus of the Monthly’s college rankings with the deep knowledge that Excelencia in Education has built over decades of studying Hispanic performance in higher education. Considering the vital importance of the growing Hispanic student population to the overall health of America’s contracting higher education system, the top schools in this ranking provide a model that other institutions should look to for lessons on how to serve that population well.” Nationally, 45 institutions have earned the Seal. Together, they model the transformation higher education needs to facilitate access to excellence for Latino, and all, students — and strengthen our nation’s civic leadership and workforce. Seal-certified institutions account for six of the top 10 four-year colleges for Hispanic students: The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley at No. 2, California State University, Los Angeles at No. 4, The University of Texas at El Paso at No. 6, California State University, San Bernardino at No. 7, Dalton State College at No. 8, and Sul Ross State University at No. 9. In addition, Seal-certified institutions account for two of the top 10 two-year colleges: Miami Dade College at No. 5 and South Texas College at No. 6. Colleges and universities that have earned the Seal lead the nation in closing degree attainment gaps, representing less than 1% of institutions yet graduating 17% of Latino, and 7% of all, students. On October 27, Excelencia will announce the institutions that have earned the Seal of Excelencia in 2026 at its invitational Fall Convening in Washington, D.C. Seal-certified institutions span three progressive levels of certification — Certified, Recertified, and Intentionally Thriving Institutions (ITIs). ITIs have earned three-year certification for more than six years and invest in strategies and practices that prepare and connect Latino, and all, students to the workforce. Explore the impact of the Seal of Excelencia : EdExcelencia.org/seal-excelencia/seal-excelencia-certified-institutions View the Washington Monthly’s Best Colleges for Hispanic Students: WashingtonMonthly.com/2026/08/30/americas-best-hispanic-serving-colleges/ 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 About the Washington Monthly The Washington Monthly is a nonprofit print and digital outlet devoted to ahead-of-the-curve coverage of politics, government, and public affairs. Its College Guide and Rankings, first published in 2005, has helped upend the conventional wisdom about what constitutes quality in higher education and received an Education Writers Association Award for data journalism.

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 Nebraska, highlighting the need for strategies that accelerate Latino degree attainment and support success for all students. Latino College Completion - Nebraska 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) 27% Of Latino adults (25 and over) had earned an associate degree or higher VS 50% Of White adults Fast Facts Nebraska had the 35th largest Latino population in the U.S. Latino Population 19% K-12 Population 13% Total Population Enrollment 15% Latino Students 26% White Students Median Age 25 Latinos 41 White Median Income $39,508 Without a college degree $59,853 With a college degree Degree Outcomes At two-year institutions, Hispanics' graduation rate was 13%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Nebraska. At four-year institutions, Hispanics' graduation rate was 14%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Nebraska. 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 Nebraska at Omaha Public, 4-year or above 11,573 1,992 17% 2,414 133 6% 2 University of Nebraska-Lincoln Public, 4-year or above 18,887 1,717 9% 4,262 303 7% 3 Bellevue University Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above 10,426 1,585 15% 1,875 238 13% 4 Metropolitan Community College Area Public, 2-year 7,629 1,456 19% 1,383 194 14% 5 Central Community College Public, 2-year 3,206 1,018 32% 702 174 25% 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.

Marie Lynn Miranda is Chancellor of the University of Illinois Chicago and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page University of Illinois Chicago Marie Lynn Miranda Chancellor Institution website: https://www.uic.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.uic.edu/about/leadership/ Marie Lynn Miranda is Chancellor of the University of Illinois Chicago and part of Excelencia in Action network. Seal of Excelencia Recertified Institution: 2023-2026 University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) is a Hispanic serving research university that serves nearly 22,000 undergraduate students, 36% of whom are Latino. From 2015-2023, Latino students comprised over two-thirds (68%) of the institution’s enrollment growth. UIC enrolls and graduates the largest number of Latino students in Illinois.

This brief examines the impact of 20 years' investment in Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) and the link of support to Latino student success in higher education. < Back From Capacity to Success: HSIs, Title V, and Latino Students Deborah A. Santiago; Emily Calderón Galdeano; Morgan Taylor May 2016 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication Infographic - PDF SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) enroll over 60 percent of Latino undergraduates and generally enroll a high enrollment of needy students with relatively limited resources. The federal government has funded the development of HSIs since 1995 to expand and enhance their capacity, quality, and the educational achievement of their Latinos and other low-income students. Is there evidence after 20 years of funding that this purpose is being met? From Capacity to Success: HSIs, Title V, and Latino Students examines the impact of 20 years of investment in HSIs and the link of this support on Latino, and all, student success. This issue brief provides a snapshot of Latinos in postsecondary education today, as well as a summary of the growth and current profile of HSIs. It also examines linkages between Latino, and all, students’ educational progress, the institutions where they are concentrated, and the impact of 20 years of federal funding on both student success and the development of HSIs, and offers recommendations for further research to refine the findings from this examination. The research and analysis for this brief were supported by TG. Please allow a few seconds for loading of interactive infographic. Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

Cynthia Teniente-Matson is the President for San José State University, and Excelencia in Education's Board Member. < Back to Our People Page Cynthia Teniente-Matson President San José State University Cynthia Teniente-Matson serves as President of San José State University, one of 48 institutions that has earned the Seal of Excelencia for striving to go beyond enrollment to intentionally serve Latino, and all, students. Teniente-Matson’s leadership at SJSU has been marked by strategic growth, national recognition, and facilities initiatives, repositioning the University as a premier public urban research institution. Prior to leading SJSU, she was president of Texas A&M University-San Antonio, where her tenure included developing research initiatives, cybersecurity programs, and economic development initiatives, and earning Seal of Excelencia certification. In 2020, she was awarded the prestigious Japan Foundation Center for Global Partnership’s 2020 US-Japan Public Intellectual.

Gilberto J. Marxuach Torrós is President of the Universidad del Sagrado Corazón and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Universidad del Sagrado Corazón Gilberto J. Marxuach Torrós President Institution website: https://www.sagrado.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.sagrado.edu/en/gilberto-j-marxuach-torros/ Gilberto J. Marxuach Torrós is President of the Universidad del Sagrado Corazón 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 Utah, highlighting the need for strategies that accelerate Latino degree attainment and support success for all students. Latino College Completion - Utah 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) 30% Of Latino adults (25 and over) had earned an associate degree or higher VS 51% Of White adults Fast Facts Utah had the 23rd largest Latino population in the U.S. Latino Population 20% K-12 Population 16% Total Population Enrollment 20% Latino Students 26% White Students Median Age 26 Latinos 34 White Median Income $39,421 Without a college degree $67,337 With a college degree Degree Outcomes At two-year institutions, Hispanics' graduation rate was 11%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Utah. At four-year institutions, Hispanics' graduation rate was 17%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Utah. 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 Western Governors University Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above 135,822 20,783 15% 23,973 2,435 10% 2 Salt Lake Community College Public, 2-year 17,247 4,406 26% 2,938 584 20% 3 University of Utah Public, 4-year or above 26,041 3,668 14% 5,556 758 14% 4 Utah Valley University Public, 4-year or above 27,481 3,665 13% 6,788 667 10% 5 Brigham Young University Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above 32,221 2,577 8% 6,638 454 7% 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.

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 Colorado, highlighting the need for strategies that accelerate Latino degree attainment and support success for all students. Latino College Completion - Colorado 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) 30% Of Latino adults (25 and over) had earned an associate degree or higher VS 61% Of White adults Fast Facts Colorado had the 8th largest Latino population in the U.S. Latino Population 32% K-12 Population 23% Total Population Enrollment 18% Latino Students 21% White Students Median Age 29 Latinos 41 White Median Income $41,250 Without a college degree $69,601 With a college degree Degree Outcomes At two-year institutions, Hispanics' graduation rate was 1%-point lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Colorado. At four-year institutions, Hispanics' graduation rate was 15%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Colorado. 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 Metropolitan State University of Denver Public, 4-year or above 14,932 5,472 37% 2,689 779 29% 2 University of Colorado Boulder Public, 4-year or above 31,578 4,260 13% 6,965 820 12% 3 Colorado State University-Fort Collins Public, 4-year or above 25,148 3,934 16% 5,201 761 15% 4 Front Range Community College Public, 4-year or above 11,132 3,097 28% 1,937 423 22% 5 University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus Public, 4-year or above 10,686 2,956 28% 2,559 535 21% 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.