Nationally, the gap in degree completion between Latinos and their White peers has increased. To reach the Latino degree attainment goal by 2030, the U.S. can close the degree completion gap by accelerating Latino completion while increasing for all students and scale up programs and initiatives that work for Latino, and all, students. Latino College Completion: United States Accelerating Latino College Completion Ensures America’s Future Closing degree attainment gaps is not about lowering standards. Aligned with Excelencia’s mission, it is about accelerating Latino degree completion while increasing completion for all students — ensuring that post-traditional students have the support necessary to succeed. The United States cannot meet future workforce demands and maintain its global competitiveness without intentionally accelerating Latino college completion. The following demographics, institutional data, and practices inform Latino degree attainment. Degree Attainment for Latino Students: 2026 Filter by State Select State EXPLORE NATIONAL FACTS How Accelerating Latino College Completion Ensures America’s Future Our nation's prosperity depends on Latino college completion. Latinos are one of the fastest-growing and youngest demographic groups in the country and will make up one-third of the U.S. labor force by 2060. At the same time, the labor market continues to shift toward jobs requiring education beyond high school. In this context, the pace at which Latinos complete college will directly shape the size, preparedness, and resilience of the future U.S. workforce. Click on the tabs below to explore national trends or read full article here . Latino Economic Power Degree Attainment Why Gaps Persist Scaling What Works Latinos represent nearly 1 in 4 children under the age of five and 1 in 5 adults in the United States, making them a critical part of the country’s present and future college-going population, future workforce, and future leaders. By 2031, it is projected that Latinos will represent 91% of new U.S. workers, being one in five workers nationwide. At the same time, workforce demands are intensifying. Nearly 75% of jobs will require postsecondary education or training in the coming decades. As older workers retire and labor shortages grow across sectors such as healthcare, education, technology, and engineering, the educational outcomes of young Latinos will increasingly determine whether the nation can meet its economic needs. Latinos already play a major role in the economy. In 2023, Latino GDP reached $4.1 trillion , accounting for nearly one-third of total U.S. GDP growth—despite Latinos representing only 20% of the population. This is all while Latinos are underrepresented in high-paying, professional roles that require postsecondary credentials. Accelerating Latino degree completion is essential to sustaining economic growth and ensuring the U.S. remains globally competitive. Latino Degree Attainment Has Increased, Yet Gaps Remain Over the past decade (2015-2024), educational attainment has increased for all racial and ethnic groups, see Figure 1. Latino adults have made meaningful gains at both the associate and bachelor’s degree levels. Latino attainment of an associate degree or higher increased by 8 percentage points —similar to gains among Black, White, and Asian adults. Bachelor’s degree attainment among Latinos increased by 6 percentage points , similar to gains among other groups. Note: White refers to Non-Hispanic Whites. SOURCE: U.S. Department of Commerce, Census Bureau, Current Population Survey (CPS), Annual Social and Economic Supplement, 2015-2024. Despite this progress, Latinos continue to have the lowest levels of college degree attainment, see Figure 2. Only 31% of Latino adults hold an associate degree or higher, compared to 41% of Black adults, 54% of White adults, and 68% of Asian adults. At the bachelor’s level, just 22% of Latinos hold a degree, compared to 30% of Black adults, 43% of White adults, and 61% of Asian adults. Latino attainment remains well below national averages at both levels. Note: White refers to Non-Hispanic Whites. SOURCE: U.S. Department of Commerce, Census Bureau, Current Population Survey (CPS), Annual Social and Economic Supplement, 2015-2024. These differences translate into persistent gaps: a 23 percentage-point gap between Latino and White adults at the associate level, and a 21 percentage-point gap at the bachelor’s level. The data make clear that similar rates of improvement have not narrowed these gaps. Without intentional strategies, disparities will persist. Why These Gaps Persist Educational attainment gaps are not random. They reflect structural and systemic factors that disproportionately affect Latino and other post-traditional students across the educational pipeline. Latinos are representative of a post-traditional student majority: they are more likely to be younger than their peers, be first-generation college students, be low-income, work while enrolled, support family members, and navigate affordability challenges. These pressures affect persistence and time to degree. Enrollment data further reveal opportunities for re-engagement. Large shares of Latino students are not completing degrees within 150 percent normal time to completion (see Figure 3)—not because they failed academically, but because they stopped out or are still enrolled. At two-year institutions, 55 percent of Latino students are still or no longer enrolled, compared to 45 percent of White students—a 10 percentage-point gap . At four-year institutions, 35 percent of Latino students are still or no longer enrolled, compared to 22 percent of White students—a 13 percentage-point gap . These gaps highlight an important pool of students who have earned credits but have not yet completed, and could be re-engaged through intentional institutional strategies and supportive policy interventions. *Percentages may not add up to 100% due to rounding. Note: Outcomes shown are for students at two-year institutions who started in Fall 2020, and for students at four-year institutions who started in Fall 2017. These rates are at the point of 150% normal time to completion, and capture first-time, full-time undergraduate students only. For two-year institutions, 150% normal time to completion is three years, and for four-year institutions, 150% normal time to completion is six years. SOURCE: Excelencia in Education analysis using the U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), 2023 Graduation Rates Survey, and the Institutional Characteristics Survey. Institutions are implementing evidence-based practices that, when applied intentionally and at scale, improve outcomes for Latino students while benefiting all students. Seal of Excelencia certified institutions illustrate this point. Though they represent fewer than 1 percent of colleges and universities nationwide, they enroll 15% of Latino students and 7% of all students, and graduate 17% of Latino students and 7% of all students. Data show that Seal-certified institutions: Have higher retention rates for all undergraduates than the national average; Graduate Latinos at higher rates than Latinos nationally; and Employ nearly three times the Latino faculty representation of institutions nationwide. These outcomes are not accidental, rather they reflect intentional investments in structures and practices that support student success. Effective strategies include strengthening academic advising, implementing guided pathways, expanding transfer supports, and providing robust financial aid counseling and career preparation. By embedding these practices into institutional culture and operations, institutions can serve Latino students more effectively while also improving outcomes for all students. Importantly, students who are no longer enrolled or still enrolled represent a significant opportunity to accelerate degree completion. A large share of Latino students have earned credits but have not yet completed a credential—not because they lack ability, but because financial pressures, work and family responsibilities, or life disruptions interrupted their education. With intentional outreach, flexible pathways, and targeted supports, these students can be re-engaged and brought back to completion. Re-enrollment, credit recovery, and re-entry initiatives are a powerful opportunity to accelerate degree attainment for Latinos while increasing for all. Scaling what works also requires intentional financial support. State and federal policy and investments can reinforce institutional efforts by: Sustaining and Scaling Key Investments: Continue impactful investment in competitive federal funding programs for institutional capacity to retain critical progress in Latino student success at institutions that have historically been underfunded, and ensure long-term dedication and improvement in academic quality for all of their students. Investing in Quality Higher Education: Have fair and representative investment by states and the federal government in institutions that educate a significant and growing share of Latino students and take responsibility for expanding their impact and building sustainable support systems for student success. Fostering Low-Debt Education: Advocate for policies that prioritize need-based grants over loans and include basic needs—such as childcare, food, transportation, and housing—within the true cost of attendance. Lowering the Price of Education: Support and incentivize institutions to lower prices and contain costs to students while investing in academic excellence. Supporting re-engagement and re-entry pathways: Encourage policies and funding streams that help institutions identify, re-enroll, and support students with prior credits, accelerating completion for Latino students while increasing overall degree attainment. Investment in proven strategies for Latino, and all, student success is necessary for the development of our nation’s future workforce. Realizing this requires sustained commitment to scale effective practices and expand pathways to completion for Latino students. In the South , college enrollment is surging, but degree attainment gaps persist across every state, with many Latino students stalled by structural barriers and uneven transfer pathways. LEARN MORE Explore more insights on Latino College Completion on Excelencia’s Medium page . Public Leadership Leaders of these institutions and systems are choosing to join Excelencia’s national leadership effort and serve as funding partners for Latino College Completion U.S. and our Ensuring America’s Future campaign: Arizona State University California State University, Channel Islands California State University, Fresno California State University, Fullerton California State University, Long Beach California State University, Los Angeles California State University, Northridge California State University San Bernardino City Colleges of Chicago – Richard J. Daley College City Colleges of Chicago – Wilbur Wright College Grand Valley State University Long Beach City College Mercy University Pima Community College San Antonio College Sul Ross State University The University of Texas at Arlington The University of Texas at San Antonio University at Albany University of Arizona University of Illinois Chicago University of Nevada, Las Vegas

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 Tennessee, highlighting the need for strategies that accelerate Latino degree attainment and support success for all students. Latino College Completion - Tennessee Nationally, the gap in degree completion between Latinos and their White peers continues. To make our country stronger and meet the economy’s demand for a highly educated workforce, we must ensure access to quality higher education for Latino, and all, students. This requires accelerating Latino degree completion, increasing completion for all students, and scaling programs and initiatives proven to support Latino, and all, student success. The following demographics, institutional data, and practices inform Latino degree attainment. 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 42% Of White adults Fast Facts Tennessee had the 24th largest Latino population in the U.S. Latino Population 12% K-12 Population 7% Total Population Enrollment 17% Latino Students 19% White Students Median Age 25 Latinos 42 White Median Income $34,164 Without a college degree $59,424 With a college degree Degree Outcomes At two-year institutions, Hispanics' graduation rate was 5%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Tennessee. At four-year institutions, Hispanics' graduation rate was 6%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Tennessee. Top Institutions Enrolling and Graduating Hispanic Undergraduates, 2026 Rank Institution Name Sector Total Enrollment Hispanic Enrollment % Hispanic Enrollment Total Completions Hispanic Completions % Hispanic Completions 1 The University of Tennessee-Knoxville Public, 4-year or above 28,763 1,727 6% 5,568 273 5% 2 Middle Tennessee State University Public, 4-year or above 16,115 1,567 10% 3,847 285 7% 3 University of Memphis Public, 4-year or above 13,645 1,504 11% 2,948 224 8% 4 Vanderbilt University Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above 7,143 854 12% 1,820 172 9% 5 Austin Peay State University Public, 4-year or above 7,365 845 11% 2,528 257 10% 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.

Carlos Hernandez is President of Sul Ross State University and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Sul Ross State University Carlos Hernandez President Institution website: https://www.sulross.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.sulross.edu/dr-carlos-hernandez-named-interim-president-of-sul-ross-state-university/ Carlos Hernandez is President of Sul Ross State University and part of Excelencia in Action network. Seal of Excelencia Certified Institution: 2024-2027 Sul Ross State University (SRSU) is a small, diverse community that values personal interactions, with the mission to deliver quality undergraduate and graduate education. SRSU is a Hispanic-serving public institution located in Alpine, Texas with instructional sites along the U.S.-Mexico borderlands in Del Rio, Eagle Pass, and Uvalde, serving 13 counties as the only public university. SRSU has a 97% acceptance rate with 68% of its students being Latino.

< Back to News Page More Latino Students Apply for Financial Aid to Access College, Yet They Receive the Lowest Average Awards Mar 27, 2025 Contact: Media@EdExcelencia.org DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE Excelencia in Education Brief Highlights How Latinos Pay for College and Trendsetting Institutions Making Degrees More Affordable WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 27, 2025) – Excelencia in Education, the premier authority on accelerating Latino student success , while increasing all student success in higher education, released today a brief detailing how Latinos use financial aid to pay for college and ways that institutions intentionally serving them ensure a degree is affordable. The brief shows Latinos are more likely to apply for and receive financial aid than other groups, yet they receive the lowest average amount of aid. It then identifies concrete examples of how institutions financially support Latino, and all, students, including institutional aid, paid internships/on-campus employment, and robust advising services. The brief, “ How Latinos Pay for College: 2025 National Trends , ” comes in the wake of executive actions that are impacting higher education broadly, including financial aid. It reveals that 85% of Latino students applied for and 71% received financial aid, according to the most recent data from the National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS) in 2019-20. This represents the largest proportion of financial aid participation among any group except for African American students. Latinos are also more than twice as likely to receive grants (67%) than loans (27%) to pay for college. Despite demonstrating high financial need, Latinos received the lowest average amount of aid — just over $11,000, compared to almost $13,000 for all students. This is explained in part by Latinos’ pragmatic choices to access college despite a complicated financial aid system. Latino students who attended less costly community colleges (40%), worked 30+ hours per week (56%), enrolled exclusively part-time (28%), or chose to live off-campus and/or with their parents (89%) were less likely to receive federal financial aid, the most important source of aid for them to pay for college. “As the youngest, fastest-growing population in the U.S., Latinos’ increasing representation in colleges and universities provides unique opportunities for social mobility and economic growth,” said Deborah Santiago, co-founder and CEO of Excelencia . “Financial aid is critical to supporting Latino, and all, students’ access to higher education. Our brief makes this clear and informs what institutions and policymakers can do to make financial aid more effective for our students and ensure access to quality, affordable education.” In addition to detailing how Latinos finance their education, the brief identifies six practices increasing access and financially supporting Latino, and all, students at trendsetting colleges and universities that have earned the Seal of Excelencia — a national certification for institutions that strive to go beyond enrollment to intentionally serve Latinos: Align institutional aid to provide funds to mitigate students’ unexpected financial challenges. Offer paid internships or on-campus employment opportunities so that Latino students can offset the cost of their degree while simultaneously gaining transferable skills. Provide support services to help students make informed decisions about their college costs. Contain student costs by offering OER (Open Educational Resources) for courses. Advance full tuition scholarships to students with family incomes at or below a specific financial level. Facilitate and simplify access to aid by managing joint admissions and financial aid applications between two-year and four-year college partners. Findings from the brief inform Excelencia’s policy recommendations for college affordability. At the federal level, recommendations include making basic needs a part of financial aid calculations and prioritizing Pell Grants. At the state level, recommendations include investing in guaranteed tuition plans by family income and mandating FAFSA completion. “How Latinos Pay for College: 2025 National Trends” was made possible with support from Lumina Foundation. Access the full brief: EdExcelencia.org/research/publications/how-latinos-pay-for-college-2025-national-trends 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

Veronique V. Tran is President of Gateway Technical College and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Gateway Technical College Veronique V. Tran President Institution website: https://www.gtc.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.gtc.edu/about-gateway/college-leadership/dr-veronique-v-tran-biography Veronique V. Tran is President of Gateway Technical College and part of Excelencia in Action network.

< Back to News Page National Nonprofit Unveils Direct Impact Fund for Donors Committed to Latino, and All, Student Success Nationwide Dec 17, 2024 Contact: Media@EdExcelencia.org DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE Excelencia in Education’s Futuro Fund will fuel investment in programming, partnerships, and research working to accelerate college completion goals for Latino, and all, students by 2030 WASHINGTON, D.C. ( December 17, 2024 ) – Excelencia in Education ( Excelencia ) , the nation’s leading organization focused on accelerating Latino student success while increasing all student success in higher education, concludes its 20th year of service to its mission this month by announcing the Excelencia Futuro Fund . This new direct impact fund will facilitate investment and collaboration among donors committed to advancing Latino, and all, college enrollment, success, and graduation. “Anniversaries remind us of where we’ve been, but they are not destinations. The Futuro Fund marks a significant milestone in our organization’s history with action. We launch the Fund and continue advancing Latino student success with colleges and universities serving all their students,” said Sarita Brown, co-founder and president of Excelencia . “We invite you to join us in supporting the institutions playing an outsized role in helping more Latino students thrive in college and graduate ready for the workforce and civic leadership. Simply put, this is about investing in what works.” The announcement of the Futuro Fund comes at a pivotal moment — and a shifting policy environment — for American higher education and Latino communities. Hispanic enrollment in higher education has more than doubled since 2008, reflecting the growing share of Hispanic Americans in the U.S. population. Yet there are many more Latino students who could enroll. For those who do, 44% of Latino college students are the first in their families to attend college . That statistic underscores the need to connect Latino students with institutions well-equipped to meet their needs and prepare them for the world of work. Since its founding in 2004, Excelencia has demonstrated a proven track record of identifying evidence-based practices and influencing policy to improve Latino student outcomes amongst all served. To accelerate this vital work, the Futuro Fund will mobilize support and investment around institutions in the Excelencia in Action network that are making significant strides toward the ambitious goal of enrolling and graduating 40% of all Latino undergraduates by 2030. The Fund will support greater impact by expanding at least 20 proven strategies that drive measurable improvements in Latino, and all, student outcomes. “For 20 years, Excelencia has proven itself an indispensable partner to countless college leaders, educators, and policymakers by transforming research into action, policy into impact, and mere conversation into institutional commitments,” said Dr. Havidán Rodríguez, president of the University at Albany, which welcomed a record number of first-year Latino students in 2024 . “The Fund will support the network of colleges and universities committed to providing learning environments where every Latino student can thrive — and inspire others to join us.” Contributions to the Fund also will provide resources and financial support to the more than 45 colleges and universities that have earned the prestigious Seal of Excelencia , a nationally recognized certification for institutions that go beyond enrolling Latino, and all, students by intentionally supporting their success. Using Excelencia’s framework, Seal-certified institutions outperform other institutions, HSIs and non-HSIs, in student success metrics such as retention and completion rates. “Making good on the promise of college and documenting return-on-investment to the nation through evidence-based outcomes for today’s Hispanic students is vital to the workforce of the future — and the civic and community leaders of tomorrow,” said Dr. Elizabeth Béjar, provost at Florida International University, a top 50 public research university, one of the nation’s strongest Hispanic-Serving Institutions and Seal of Excelencia -certified university. “For those looking to make a positive, meaningful impact for Hispanic students, the Futuro Fund provides a platform for investing in advocacy, action, and research.” For more information on the Excelencia Futuro Fund and how to support this initiative, visit: EdExcelencia.org/about/donate 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

< Back to News Page Excelencia in Education Releases Compilation of Evidence-Based Practices That Work for Latinos in College Apr 13, 2024 Contact: Media@EdExcelencia.org DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE Higher Education Programs Across the Country Identified For Improving Latino Student Achievement Amongst All In Five Areas WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 24, 2024) – Excelencia in Education announces today the release of a compilation of evidence-based programs that are at the forefront of improving higher educational achievement for Latino, and all, students. The compilation, “ Advancing What Works to Intentionally Serve Latino Students: Opportunities for Action – 2024 ,” emphasizes cultural responsiveness and asset-based approaches to serving Latinos, as well as other post-traditional students, in five key areas: Engagement to Prepare Students and Families in College First-Year Experiences Building Strong Foundations for Success Bilingualism Enhancing Academic and Career Connections Experiences and Partnerships Building Career Pathways Gender-Based Learning Communities to Support Success Excelencia’s compilation brings national attention to noteworthy efforts increasing Latino student success amongst all served in higher education to inspire and support educators, community leaders, funders, and policymakers to replicate and bring to scale evidence-based practices. It builds on the organization’s 20-year history of applying a Latino lens to critical issues in postsecondary education while linking data and practice to support Latino, and all, student achievement. “ Excelencia increases awareness of programs that work for Latino students with the understanding that what serves our students ultimately serves our country,” said Deborah Santiago, co-founder and CEO of Excelencia . “These data-informed and evidence-based practices tell unique stories of our students and prove what is possible. These programs also show there is no excuse for inaction to make a positive difference for students.” For nearly two decades, Excelencia has led the charge in highlighting and growing effective practices for Latino, and all, students through Examples of Excelencia . Examples is the only national data-driven effort to recognize and promote programs increasing Latino student success amongst all served in higher education. Since launching Examples, Excelencia has received over 2,000 program submissions, recognized over 400 programs for their impact, and raised and awarded over $2 million to sustain the life-changing work of those programs. “America’s future is brighter with the talents of Latinos,” said Sarita Brown, co-founder and president of Excelencia . “Now more than ever, Excelencia commits to bringing national attention to effective efforts advancing students’ higher education journeys to completion. By sharing information and supporting replication we build momentum for institutional transformation that accelerates Latino student success and thus grows our civic leadership and future workforce.” Excelencia releases this publication at Prepárate 2024, a national convening hosted by the College Board for those committed to advancing educational opportunity for Latino students. Together, we champion asset-based approaches that uplift the strengths of and opportunities for Latino, and all, students. Programs from the compilation are featured in Excelencia’s Growing What Works Database — the only national, searchable database for institutional leaders, funders, policymakers, and others interested in effective programs for Latino, and all, students. “Advancing What Works to Intentionally Serve Latino Students: Opportunities for Action – 2024” 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 compilation: EdExcelencia.org/advancing-what-works-latino-students-2024 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

Lynne Murray is President of McMurry University and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page McMurry University Lynne Murray President Institution website: https://mcm.edu/ Bio Page: https://mcm.edu/news/mcmurry-university-announces-11th-university-president/ Lynne Murray is President of McMurry University and part of Excelencia in Action network.

Latino student college enrollment was growing at an accelerated pace, but in 2020 dropped. Excelencia provides a summary of past, current, and projected enrollment. < Back Latino College Enrollment: Past, Current, and Projections Excelencia in Education April 2022 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Fact Sheet SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview Latino student college enrollment had been growing at an accelerated pace for more than 20 years, but in 2020 dropped significantly despite previous projections of continued growth. While Latino student enrollment is projected to grow later in this decade, this growth is not at the accelerated pace seen in the years prior to the pandemic. In this fact sheet, we provide a summary of past, current, and projected Latino student enrollment that can help institutions identify and understand patterns to improve their efforts to more intentionally serve Latino, and all, students. Suggested Citation: Excelencia in Education. (2022). Latino College Enrollment: Past, Current, and Projections. Washington, D.C.: Excelencia in Education. Latino College Completion: 2019-2020 While Latino enrollment decreased in 2020, we continue to see an increase in Latino college completion. This brief provides the most up-to-date overview of Latino college completion. LEARN MORE 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 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.

< Back to News Page Excelencia in Education Provides Roadmap for Higher Education Institutions and Employers to Advance Latino Talent and Meet U.S. Workforce Needs Feb 28, 2024 Contact: Media@EdExcelencia.org DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE New Analysis Identifies Top 25 Colleges and Universities Conferring Credentials to Latinos and Preparing Them for Today’s Global Economy WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 28, 2024) – A new brief from Excelencia in Education calls on employers to meet U.S. workforce needs through strategic partnerships with colleges and universities that demonstrably increase the number of Latino college graduates and more intentionally prepare Latino, and all student talent for today’s global economy. The brief, “ Finding Your Workforce: Latino Talent for a Global Economy ,” shows Latinos have the highest labor force participation, with 66% of those 16 years and older in the labor force, and demonstrates they will account for 91% 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. Only 33% of Latinos in the labor force in 2021 had earned an associate degree or higher, compared to 69% of Asians, 55% of Whites, and 45% of African Americans. Against this backdrop, “Finding Your Workforce” identifies the top 25 institutions where Latinos earned credentials across academic levels in 2019-20. This analysis identifies the colleges and universities producing nationally significant numbers of Latino graduates overall, as well as in key disciplines relevant to today’s job market. This specific information provides opportunities for employers to engage college-educated Latino talent and learn from practices effectively linking graduates to the workforce. They include 104 unique institutions across 14 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. This group represents 3% of the nation’s colleges and universities but graduated almost 25% of Latinos in 2019-20. “The future is built on the talent in our workforce. Ignorance is no excuse for inaction. This report provides clear information on where Latinos are earning degrees and the strategies institutions implement to intentionally serve their students to prepare for civic leadership and the workforce,” said Deborah Santiago, Co-founder and CEO of Excelencia . “Our new analysis empowers institutions and employers to align their efforts to proactively engage and recruit Latino graduates where they are.” 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. This series 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. The majority (83%) of top institutions conferring credentials to Latino students at the certificate, associate, baccalaureate, and first professional levels are Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) across seven states and Puerto Rico. In addition, 21 have earned the Seal of Excelencia , a national certification for institutions that go beyond enrollment to intentionally SERVE Latino, and all, students. 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) The brief goes on to highlight replicable strategies to increase Latino degree attainment and career success amongst all from the top institutions awarding postsecondary credentials to Latinos. It also calls on employers to establish common cause with institutions by aligning their goals to serve diverse communities with effective recruitment practices. 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. "Florida International University recognizes students and their families invest in a college education to prepare for a lifetime,” said Elizabeth Béjar, Provost, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Florida International University. “We are proud that Excelencia’s analysis underscores FIU's positive impact on Hispanic/Latino students as we serve as their launchpad into today’s global economy and their future success." Excelencia brings the “Finding Your Workforce” series to the public with support from Bank of America, a national leader demonstrating its belief in the promise of Latino students amongst all to ensure America’s bright future. “Bank of America has a long history of promoting pathways to economic mobility and connecting individuals and communities to income creation and wealth building opportunities. Our support of Excelencia in Education is another demonstration of that longstanding commitment,” said Meghan Hughes, Bank of America Head of Workforce Development, Arts & Heritage. “Through this partnership and their revelatory studies, we will continue to help strengthen the capabilities of minority-serving institutions and work alongside other employers to create scalable and equitable strategies that bring meaningful change to the lives of Hispanic-Latino families for years to come.” This brief initiates a series that will provide lists of 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. Excelencia in Education will also host a national webinar on March 6 to discuss the analysis and the potential for higher education, business, and philanthropy to engage Latino talent. Please learn more and register: bit.ly/FindingYourWorkforceLatinoTalent 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 Bank of America Bank of America is one of the world’s leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving approximately 69 million consumer and small business clients with approximately 3,800 retail financial centers, approximately 15,000 ATMs (automated teller machines) and award-winning digital banking with approximately 57 million verified digital users. Bank of America is a global leader in wealth management, corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 4 million small business households through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations across the United States, its territories and more than 35 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: BAC).

Adriana Rodriguez serves as Chief Operating Officer of Excelencia in Education. Adriana works closely with the CEO, focusing on optimizing processes, managing resources, and ensuring efficient execution of business strategies. < Back to Our People Page Adriana Rodriguez Chief Operating Officer Excelencia in Education Email: arodriguez@EdExcelencia.org Current Position: Adriana Rodriguez serves as Excelencia in Education’s Chief Operating Officer. As the COO she works closely with the CEO, focusing on optimizing processes, managing resources, and ensuring efficient execution of business strategies. Past Experiences: Adriana has 20 years of experience in non-profit education sector. During her 17 years of service at the Maya Angelou Schools in Washington, D.C., she worked in the areas of data infrastructure, office operations, continuous improvement practices, and school accountability policy. These focus areas had a secondary education lens, but she also worked on post-secondary pathways for six of those years by designing and managing college access and success services for the schools’ seniors and alumni. She was a tireless advocate among school leaders and city officials to ensure the inclusion of alternative youth populations in policy decisions. Why are you bringing your talent to Excelencia ? My career has focused on equitable access to education and employment opportunities for older youth and young adults, especially those most marginalized by educational systems. Excelencia provides an opportunity to bring a Latino lens to my work and to address issues at a national level and with higher education partners committed to student-thriving environments. How would you describe working at Excelencia ? I show up every day for Excelencia because of its mission and clear pathway to achieve it. I enjoy being part of a diverse and talented staff that works hard to achieve our goals. I appreciate the collaboration with all of our wonderful programs and institutions to transform higher education to more intentionally serve Latino and all post-traditional students.