This report highlights the borrowing patterns of students who choose to enroll in college and provides suggestions about why certain students may not borrow. < Back Student Aversion to Borrowing: Who Borrows and Who Doesn't Deborah A. Santiago ; Alisa Cunningham November 2008 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication, Fact Sheet Fact Sheet SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview This report highlights the borrowing patterns of students who choose to enroll in college and provides suggestions about why certain students may not borrow, even when borrowing seems to be a logical choice. 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 Virginia, highlighting the need for strategies that accelerate Latino degree attainment and support success for all students. Latino College Completion - Virginia 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) 35% Of Latino adults (25 and over) had earned an associate degree or higher VS 54% Of White adults Fast Facts Virginia had the 14th largest Latino population in the U.S. Latino Population 16% K-12 Population 11% Total Population Enrollment 21% Latino Students 23% White Students Median Age 29 Latinos 43 White Median Income $36,861 Without a college degree $73,834 With a college degree Degree Outcomes At two-year institutions, Hispanics' graduation rate was 6%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Virginia. At four-year institutions, Hispanics' graduation rate was 9%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Virginia. 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 Northern Virginia Community College Public, 2-year 31,737 9,352 29% 5,526 1,341 24% 2 George Mason University Public, 4-year or above 27,083 4,724 17% 6,047 999 17% 3 Liberty University Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above 50,059 3,722 7% 11,406 690 6% 4 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Public, 4-year or above 30,435 3,138 10% 8,075 586 7% 5 Virginia Commonwealth University Public, 4-year or above 20,797 2,424 12% 4,679 497 11% 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 identifies top institutions graduating and preparing Latinos for a global economy, providing a roadmap for employers to meet U.S. workforce needs. < Back Finding Your Workforce: Latino Talent for a Global Economy Excelencia in Education February 2024 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview For 20 years, Excelencia in Education has served its mission to accelerate Latino student success while increasing all student success in higher education in order to address the country’s need for a highly educated workforce and civic leadership. "Finding Your Workforce: Latino Talent for a Global Economy" represents the latest extension of Excelencia’s hallmark work of bringing national attention to higher education institutions and practices advancing Latino talent, strengthening our economy, and ensuring America’s future. Latinos have the highest labor force participation, with 66 percent of those 16 years and older in the labor force, and demonstrates they will account for 91 percent of new workers — the largest number of any group — and one in five workers overall by 2031. However, Latinos are the most likely to be employed in manual labor occupations and earn the lowest salary compared to other groups. This brief presents Excelencia’s roadmap for both employers and institutions to take action to ensure America’s future by advancing Latino talent. The top institutions awarding credentials at each level are: NUC University in Puerto Rico (Certificate) Miami Dade College in Florida (Associate) Florida International University in Florida (Baccalaureate and Master’s) Nova Southeastern University in Florida (First Professional and Doctorate) Strategies for institutions and employers to link Latino graduates to the workforce include: Invest in high-wage, high-demand career pathways by developing stackable credentials in collaboration with employers and funding short-term career programs. Provide transition services between completion and employment or graduate school, including financial and mental health support. Connect the Latino talent pipeline to employers by recruiting graduates for internal employment opportunities and leveraging partnerships with employers. Suggested Citation: Santiago, D., Labandera, E., Arroyo, C., & Nour, S.R. (February 2024). Finding Your Workforce: Latino Talent for a Global Economy. Washington, D.C.: Excelencia in Education. This brief initiates a series that highlights the top institutions graduating Latinos in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), health, and education, accompanied by examples of institutional efforts to improve Latinos’ college completion linked to these sectors. Additional Resources PODCAST EPISODE: Finding your Workforce – Latino Talent for a Global Economy highlights best practices to leverage the high labor force participation rate of Latinos, projected to be one in five workers by 2031. Deborah Santiago, Excelencia in Education's co-founder and CEO, in episode 53 of ACT's Ready for Work podcast discusses the importance of developing stackable credentials, providing transition services, and connecting Latino talent to employers. Get ready to uncover actionable insights, debunk common myths, and discover best practices to reduce skill shortages. WEBINAR: Finding Your Workforce: Latino Talent for a Global Economy Ensuring America’s future to meet our nation’s economic and civic engagement requires both institutions and employers have a tactical plan to link Latino, and all, college graduates to the workforce. Leaders from institutions, employers, and philanthropy shared their perspectives and efforts for educating, preparing, and connecting Latinos to the workforce. 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.

Leah Bornstein is President of Aims Community College and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Aims Community College Leah Bornstein President Institution website: https://www.aims.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.aims.edu/employee-directory/leah-bornstein Leah Bornstein is President of Aims Community College and part of Excelencia in Action network.

Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval is President of California State University-Fresno and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page California State University-Fresno Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval President Institution website: https://www.calstate.edu/ Bio Page: https://www2.calstate.edu/csu-system/about-the-csu/leadership/presidents/Pages/Sandoval.aspx Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval is President of California State University-Fresno and part of Excelencia in Action network. Seal of Excelencia Recertified Institution: 2024-2027 California State University, Fresno (Fresno State) is the largest 4-year institution in the San Joaquin Central Valley. Fresno State serves a four-county area with a total population of 1.76 million; overall 60-66% are Latino, African American, Asian, Native American, and Pacific Islanders. Fresno State’s journey as a nationally distinguished Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) is one that uplifts evidence-based practices that are serving Latino students, faculty, and communities, while also acknowledging an ability to serve all historically marginalized groups.

JP Deering serves as Director of Communications of Excelencia in Education. JP supports media relations and curating digital content. < Back to Our People Page JP Deering Director of Communications Excelencia in Education Email: jpdeering@edexcelencia.org Current Position: JP Deering serves as the Director of Communications of Excelencia in Education, supporting media relations and curating digital content. In addition, he also coordinates the development of the organization’s branding and style guide which is executed in partnership with Excelencia’s strategic plan. Past Experiences: JP comes to Excelencia from INTO University Partnerships, an international education organization where he served as corporate communications manager until 2022. He began his career in 2016 as a teaching assistant at the University of Kentucky, working primarily with international and post-traditional students on written and digital projects. JP earned his B.A. in English with a minor in politics from Centre College. Why are you bringing your talent to Excelencia ? Throughout my career, I have focused on one question: How do we make higher education in the U.S. work better for students it has not traditionally prioritized or intentionally served? Excelencia answers that question by shining a light on evidence-based practices and programs that work for Latino students and holding institutional leaders and decision makers accountable for meaningful transformation. I am eager to be a part of that effort. How would you describe working at Excelencia ? Two words best describe working at Excelencia : growth and intentionality. Growth, because the innovators within this organization consistently push the envelope and challenge me to learn something new every day. Intentionality, because everyone here is committed and strategic when it comes to advancing Latino student success and building a community of common cause with like-minded leaders and advocates. This is not an organization of box-checkers.

Josué Romualdo serves as Community of Practice Manager of Excelencia in Education. Josué works closely with practitioners across higher education institutions and community-based organizations to build relationships and strengthen a national community of practice that supports efforts to intentionally SERVE Latino, and all, students. < Back to Our People Page Josué Romualdo Community of Practice Manager Excelencia in Education Email: jromualdo@edexcelencia.org Current Position: As Community of Practice Manager, I work closely with practitioners across higher education institutions and community-based organizations to build relationships and strengthen a national community of practice that supports efforts to intentionally SERVE Latino, and all, students. I also manage the Growing What Works Database, a resource for practitioners, institutional leaders, funders, and policymakers interested in evidence-based practices that accelerate Latino student success in higher education. Past Experiences: My career has centered on advancing civic participation through efforts focused on voting access, information integrity, and community well-being. I’ve led impactful programs at national organizations, including the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law and the NALEO Educational Fund. In each role, I developed and managed initiatives that promoted informed voter engagement and supported diverse communities, leading several Latino-focused programs while serving all populations. Whether coordinating outreach campaigns, building coalitions, or responding to emerging challenges, my work has remained grounded in the values that emphasize the importance of promoting civic engagement. Why are you bringing your talent to Excelencia ? By joining Excelencia , I build on my experience to continue serving the Latino community, amongst all communities. I’m inspired by Excelencia’s commitment to using data-driven strategies and elevating key partnerships to support student achievement in higher education. This role aligns with my dedication to empower underserved communities through meaningful work and serving all populations. How would you describe working at Excelencia ? If I had to describe our work at Excelencia in one word, it would be dedication. Our staff, along with institutional leaders and program practitioners, are deeply committed to intentionally SERVE Latino, and all, students. It is an honor to collaborate with individuals who share this unwavering dedication to ensuring access to excellence for each student

Elizabeth Béjar is Provost, Executive Vice President, and Chief Operating Officer at Florida International University, and Excelencia in Education's Board Member. < Back to Our People Page Elizabeth Béjar Provost, Executive Vice President, and COO Florida International University Elizabeth B é jar, serves as Provost, Executive Vice President, and Chief Operating Officer at Florida International University , one of 46 institutions that has earned the Seal of Excelencia for striving to go beyond enrollment to intentionally SERVE Latino students . She is a key member of the university’s executive leadership, overseeing an annual budget of approximately $1.4 billion and providing strategic oversight of the institution’s academic and student success portfolio. Her expertise lies in understanding the changing landscape of higher education; working to propel the value proposition of higher education with intentionality and through the lens of student learning and success and research excellence. Béjar leads critical strategic initiatives, including the development of the university’s 2030 Strategic Plan, along with an implementation plan to further FIU’s mission to curate a meaningful student experience that leads to excellent outcomes. She joined FIU in 2003 and has held several key leadership positions.

Ronald Rochon is President of California State University-Fullerton and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page California State University-Fullerton Ronald Rochon President Institution website: https://www.fullerton.edu/ Bio Page: http://president.fullerton.edu/ Ronald Rochon is President of California State University-Fullerton and part of Excelencia in Action network. Seal of Excelencia Recertified Institution: 2024-2027 California State University, Fullerton (CSUF or Cal State Fullerton) enrolls more than 39,000 students, of which 54% are Latino—an increase of 40% since 2016. The university prioritizes access to higher education, student success, service to the local region, and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. CSUF was the No. 2 destination among California public institutions for community college transfer students in 2022-2023.

The purpose of this issue brief is to provide a common definition and methodology for identifying HSIs that will result in more consistent and verifiable analysis. < Back Essay: Creating a List of Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) Excelencia in Education April 2026 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview Excelencia in Education has been tracking the growth of Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), Emerging Hispanic-Serving Institutions (eHSIs), and Hispanic-Serving Institutions with Graduate Programs (gHSIs) for over 20 years and has released its analyses on these institutions annually. The purpose of this essay is to provide a common definition and methodology for identifying HSIs that will result in better, more accurate analysis. In the current federal landscape, where no active eligibility framework or comprehensive HSI list exists, this approach offers a consistent and transparent way to identify these institutions. Using a common definition based on an established methodology will more accurately represent this group of institutions. As the Latino population continues to grow, so will the number of Latino college-bound students. The number and size of HSIs will also continue to grow and will play a critical role in enhancing Latino students' access to higher education throughout the United States. Excelencia’s methodology excludes institutions with fewer than 100 total undergraduate students enrolled. Their enrollment fluctuates enough year to year that HSI status can change based on a difference of one or two Latino students, which would produce inconsistent identification across years. For example, an institution enrolling 100 undergraduates needs 25 Latino students to meet the 25% threshold, meaning a single student's continued enrollment determines whether that institution appears on the list. The sustainability of these smaller institutions is limited, as their small enrollment signals a lack of viability and sufficient resources for operations long-term. Further, institutions of this size are unlikely to be competitive for Title V capacity-building funds relative to larger, more established institutions. Suggested Citation Excelencia in Education. (2026). Essay: Creating a List of Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) . Washington, D.C.: Excelencia in Education. Learn more in Excelencia’s new HSI Factbook. Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

< Back to News Page Four Higher Education Programs Recognized for Their Exemplary Work in Advancing Latino, and all, Student Success Sep 30, 2024 Contact: Media@EdExcelencia.org DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE Excelencia in Education Recognizes the 2024 Examples of Excelencia, Amplifying Evidence-Based Practices That Work for Latino, and All, Students WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 30, 2024) – In our 20th year identifying and promoting what works for Latino, and all, students in higher education, Excelencia in Education announced today four programs recognized as the 2024 Examples of Excelencia . These programs exemplify what is possible when higher education institutions and community-based organizations intentionally serve Latino, and all, students on their journey to and through college. The 2024 Examples are addressing academic barriers, creating a sense of belonging, increasing affordability, providing experiential learning opportunities, and investing in wrap-around services that improve higher education outcomes. Each year, four Examples of Excelencia are selected from the associate, baccalaureate, graduate, and community-based organization levels for their intentionality and evidence of effectiveness in increasing Latino student success. The 2024 Examples emerged from 345 nominations from 40 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, 103 program submissions, and 18 finalists. The 2024 Examples of Excelencia are: English for Academic Purposes , Reading Area Community College – Reading, PA (Associate Level) The College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) , Washington State University – Pullman, WA (Baccalaureate Level) Project upGRADS , California State University, Fullerton – Fullerton, CA (Graduate Level) Career Pathways: Empowering Students to Succeed , The Immokalee Foundation, Inc. – Immokalee, FL (Community-Based Organization Level) “We must make a positive difference in the lives of our college students who trust us to help them meet their education goals. The 2024 Examples of Excelencia are proof there is good work implemented around the country," said Adriana Rodriguez, COO and vice president for institutional programs at Excelencia in Education. “These programs model what other institutions and organizations can implement in their own communities.” Examples of Excelencia is the only national, data-driven effort to identify, aggregate, and promote evidence-based practices increasing Latino, and all, student success in higher education. Since 2005, Excelencia has received over 2,000 program submissions, recognized over 400 programs for their impact, and raised and awarded over $2 million to programs making a positive difference for Latino, and all, students across the country. A committee of diverse higher education leaders selected the 2024 Examples of Excelencia to showcase innovative programming and proven practices that support Latino and other post-traditional students academically, financially, and socially. These programs serve as replicable models of cultural responsiveness that lead to credit and degree completion, which in turn supports Latino families and communities to ensure America’s future. Programs selected annually as Examples of Excelencia and finalists are featured online in Excelencia’s Growing What Works Database — the only national, searchable database for institutional leaders, funders, policymakers, and others interested in evidence-based programming for Latino, and all, students. This year’s Examples of Excelencia will be honored at the organization’s annual Celebración de Excelencia in Washington, D.C. Learn more about the 2024 Examples of Excelencia : https://www.edexcelencia.org/what-works/examples-excelencia/annual-examples-excelencia 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