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Our Agenda for Reform makes policy recommendations to the federal student aid and work-study programs to improve college access and support retention and completion. < Back The Reimagining Aid Design and Delivery (RADD) Consortium for the Reform of Federal Student Aid Grants and Work-Study Excelencia in Education; Center for Postsecondary and Economic Success at CLASP; College Board; Committee for Economic Development; National Urban League May 2015 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview Over the last three decades, the cost of college has increased nearly four times faster than the median family income. Financial aid has not filled this growing gap, resulting in “unmet financial need.” These policy recommendations for redesigning the student aid system are designed to help all students afford and complete college. A five-member consortium comprised of Excelencia in Education, the Center for Postsecondary and Economic Success at CLASP, College Board, the Committee for Economic Development, and the National Urban League authored this brief, which was made possible through the support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Many of today’s college students fit a “post-traditional” student profile, in that they are independent, adults age 25 and older, parents, and work more than 20 hours per week. These students often face financial barriers to college access and completion as a result of their managing multiple roles and responsibilities. This brief uses guiding principles to recommend reforms to the federal student aid and work-study programs to increase post-traditional student success in higher education. These principles include: 1) increase economic opportunity for all students; 2) provide clear and transparent federal aid; 3) use evidence based practices to serve low-income, disadvantaged students; 4) ensure federal aid and a manageable amount of work and loans are adequate to complete postsecondary education for qualified students; 5) address all barriers to degree completion; and 6) hold institutions receiving federal funding accountable for keeping college affordable and strengthening student success. Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

< Back to News Page New Analysis Shows Critical Role Hispanic-Serving Institutions Play in Educating Latino, and All, Students Apr 8, 2026 Contact: Media@EdExcelencia.org DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE Excelencia in Education Finds That HSIs Enroll and Graduate Two-Thirds of Latino, and One-Third of All, Undergraduates, but Face Elimination of Federal Funding WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 8, 2026) – Excelencia in Education today released its annual analysis of Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) — identifying 631. HSIs now represent 1 out of every 5 colleges and universities (21%), yet they enrolled and graduated 65% of Latino, and 32% of all, students in the past year. The Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs): 2026 Factbook details the current profile of HSIs, including their growth and pipeline. The Factbook also describes themes of how HSIs have innovated with federal Title V capacity-building funds to provide a quality education for Latino, and all, students, and it articulates the disruption to their efforts when the current administration eliminated $350 million in funding for HSIs and other Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) last year. Excelencia’s analysis shows the number of HSIs increased by 29 in 2024-25. HSls are defined as having 25% or more undergraduate Hispanic full-time equivalent (FTE) student enrollment. HSIs have tripled since they first received federal funding more than 30 years ago — reflecting significant growth in Latino college enrollment. As HSIs grow, they also serve more students from all backgrounds — enrolling 42% of Asian, 24% of Black, and 18% of White undergraduates in college today. The U.S. Department of Education (ED) challenged the constitutionality of the MSI programs and redistributed this funding to other programs for FY2025. This includes $229 million that Congress appropriated to HSIs through the Title V Developing HSIs Program for capacity building that improves education access and quality for Latino and other low-income students. Excelencia estimates $112 million will be lost for 49 institutions in 12 states that successfully competed for five-year Title V grants in 2024 — undermining advancements on their campuses that benefit all students they enroll. There remains uncertainty around HSI funding. Despite Congress’ FY2026 appropriation of about $259 million for HSIs through Title V funds, the current administration has demonstrated a clear intention that it will redistribute these funds, along with the $78 million appropriated for other MSIs, to the Title III Part A Strengthening Institutions Program (SIP), funded at $102 million. The analysis anticipates that this move will result in HSIs with low education and general expenditures and high enrollment of needy students competing for needed funds with a much larger pool of over 1,000 eligible institutions. "The current administration’s actions contradict the critical role HSIs play in providing access to a quality education and meeting our national need for a highly educated citizenry and workforce,” said Deborah Santiago, Excelencia in Education Co-founder and CEO. “As HSIs enroll a greater share of all students, the need for sustained, targeted investment in strengthening their capacity has never been clearer.” The Factbook further highlights the innovation and capacity-building efforts halted by the elimination of Title V funding. It shows 2024 grantees planned to leverage funds to modernize learning infrastructure and academic programs, invest in faculty development and student-centered support systems for all students, and link students to workforce opportunities. In particular, Miami Dade College — an institution that has earned the Seal of Excelencia for continuous improvement in student success — planned to invest Title V funds on its Medical Campus to strengthen the region’s healthcare workforce pipeline. Excelencia also identified institutions that have sustained work that began with Title V investments, demonstrating the progress and transformation possible through this funding. Examples of sustained work include embedding career exploration into core coursework, leveraging AI for financial education, strengthening industry partnerships, elevating high-impact research opportunities, and implementing evidence-based course redesign. Excelencia releases its analysis of HSIs every year to inform the field of where Latinos enroll, examine institutional efforts increasing student success, and compel action to transform higher education and intentionally serve Latino, and all, students. Access the Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs): 2026 Factbook here: EdExcelencia.org/research/publications/hispanic-serving-institutions-hsis-factbook 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

James Hurley is President of Tarleton State University and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Tarleton State University James Hurley President Institution website: https://www.tarleton.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.tarleton.edu/president/about-dr-hurley-2/ James Hurley is President of Tarleton State University and part of Excelencia in Action network.

Hubert Benitez is President of Saint Peter's University and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Saint Peter's University Hubert Benitez President Institution website: https://www.saintpeters.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.saintpeters.edu/president/presidents-biography/ Hubert Benitez is President of Saint Peter's University and part of Excelencia in Action network.

Latinos will need to earn 6.2 million degrees by 2030 to reach the U.S. degree attainment goal. Learn about Latino College Completion in Tennessee. Latino College Completion - Tennessee Nationally, the gap in degree completion between Latinos and their White peers continues. However, different patterns emerge within each state or location. To reach the Latino degree attainment goal by 2030, states 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. To find out more, scroll below. DOWNLOAD FACT SHEET Degree Attainment for Latino Students (2021) 26% Of Latino adults (25 and over) had earned an associate degree or higher VS 40% Of White adults Fast Facts Tennessee had the 26th largest Latino population in the U.S. Latino Population 10% K-12 Population 6% Total Population 2-Year Graduation Rate 31% Latino Students 32% White Students Median Age 25 Latinos 42 White 4-Year Graduation Rate 58% Latino Students 63% White Students Degree Outcomes At two-year institutions , Hispanics' graduation rate was 1%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Tennessee. At four-year institutions , Hispanics' graduation rate was 5%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Tennessee. BACK TO MAIN LCC PAGE Top Institutions To find out more about the top institutions enrolling, and awarding associate and bachelor degrees to Hispanics by using the tabs below to navigate the information. Click on the tabs below to explore. ENROLLING ASSOCIATES DEGREES BACHELORS DEGREE Top Institutions Enrolling (Hispanic Undergraduates) in Tennessee, 2021-2022 Rank Institutions Sector Grand Total Hispanic Total % Hispanic 1 Middle Tennessee State University Public, 4-year or above 17,713 1,412 8% 2 The University of Tennessee-Knoxville Public, 4-year or above 24,957 1,375 6% 3 University of Memphis Public, 4-year or above 14,591 1,195 8% 4 Vanderbilt University Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above 7,104 758 11% 5 Austin Peay State University Public, 4-year or above 7,490 721 10% Top Institutions Awarding Associate Degrees to Hispanics in Tennessee, 2020-2021 Rank Institutions Sector Grand Total Hispanic Total % Hispanic 1 Austin Peay State University Public, 4-year or above 1,301 133 10% 2 Nashville State Community College Public, 2-year 1,025 101 10% 3 Motlow State Community College Public, 2-year 1,112 96 9% 4 Pellissippi State Community College Public, 2-year 1,599 88 6% 5 Volunteer State Community College Public, 2-year 1,243 80 6% Top Institutions Awarding Bachelor Degrees to Hispanics in Tennessee, 2020-2021 Rank Institutions Sector Grand Total Hispanic Total % Hispanic 1 Middle Tennessee State University Public, 4-year or above 3,916 238 6% 2 The University of Tennessee-Knoxville Public, 4-year or above 5,170 214 4% 3 University of Memphis Public, 4-year or above 3,152 171 5% 4 Vanderbilt University Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above 1,712 167 10% 5 Belmont University Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above 1,536 109 7% 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 Excelencia in Education. (2020). Ensuring America’s Future: Benchmarking Latino College Completion to 2030. Excelencia in Education. Washington, D.C. U.S. Census Bureau, 2021 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates. Excelencia in Education Analysis using the U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), 2021 Fall Enrollment, Graduation Rates Survey and Institutional Characteristics Survey.

This brief highlights the strategic practices of six Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) that have participated in federal HSI STEM and Title V grant programs. < Back Beyond an HSI Designation: Exploring Strategic Practices for HSI Grant Participation Excelencia in Education March 2023 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview Since 1995, the federal government has allocated funds to Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) to help build their institutional capacity to better serve their Latino students amongst all. However, these federal grant programs have become increasingly competitive. As a result, HSIs must strategically adapt their practices to plan effectively for grant competitions and utilize funds in a sustainable manner that supplements existing institutional practices that facilitate Latino, and all, student success. Excelencia in Education engaged six HSIs that had received federal funding in the last six years (2017-2022) in a series of interviews to learn more about their strategic practices in HSI STEM and Title V grant participation: California State University-Long Beach California State University-Sacramento University of New Mexico-Taos Texas A&M University-Kingsville Dominican University Hartnell College Findings From the interviews with these institutions, Excelencia identified key strategies that demonstrate these HSIs’ adaptive practices for HSI STEM and Title V grant participation and their institutional commitment to their Latino students amongst all: Creating the capacity to apply for HSI grants. Leadership at these six institutions described their strategies for applying for federal funding despite a limited or nonexistent central office or personnel dedicated to HSI initiatives. Their efforts for preparing for grant competitions included (1) holding internal mini-grant competitions, (2) contracting with external grant writers, or (3) bringing in cross-campus support to prepare their grant applications. Implementing and sustaining grant-funded programs. HSI grants are one of many tools that can be leveraged to develop an institution’s capacity to better serve their students. HSI grants are designed to supplement rather than supplant current institutional efforts, which means that institutions must utilize this funding in combination with existing resources. To gain buy-in from the necessary programs or offices, these institutions integrated key stakeholders into the grant application and implementation process. Institutions also slowly transitioned grant funded costs into the budget of campus programs and offices to ensure that the programs and positions could be sustained at the end of the grant period. Conceptualizing and advancing an organizational commitment to serving Latino students. Leadership across all six HSIs described how their institution is conceptualizing what it means to be an HSI, where they currently are with their work, and what they need to do to better serve their Latino students amongst all. These HSIs are: (1) utilizing evidence-based practices from external HSI organizations to identify their next steps to advance their institutional capacity to serve, (2) leveraging HSI funding to improve their capacity to implement and sustain student-centered efforts and outcomes, and (3) creating a cross-campus network of offices and departments committed to developing practices that intentionally serve Latino, and all, students. Suggested Citation: Arroyo, C. & Santiago, D. (March 2023). Beyond an HSI Designation: Exploring Strategic Practices for HSI Grant Participation . Washington, D.C.: Excelencia in Education. Read our report on the impact of 20 years of federal funding on student success and the development of HSIs in From Capacity to Success: HSIs, Title V, and Latino Students. Read our Medium posts on the potential of a guaranteed federal grant programs for HSIs to build their capacity for applying to competitive federal grant programs. Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

With the belief that good policy is informed by good practice, Excelencia brings national attention to programs that are exemplary in the way they intentionally and effectively serve Latino students. Annual Examples of Excelencia Evidence-Based Programs That Are Intentional In SERVING Latino, And All, Students: With the belief that good policy is informed by good practice, Excelencia brings national attention to programs that exemplify an intentional commitment to advancing Latino and other post-traditional students in higher education. These programs demonstrate evidence-based practices that can inform and guide student-centered efforts. Learn more about each of the Examples of Excelencia . 2025 Examples of Excelencia : The 2025 Examples of Excelencia are building faculty pipelines, providing holistic supports that help students earn degrees and credentials, connecting classroom learning to in-demand jobs, and offering research and mentorship experiences that foster persistence, completion, and career success. Together, these programs demonstrate the power of intentional design in facilitating access to excellence for all students. ASSOCIATE LEVEL: General Motors Automotive Service Education Program (GM ASEP) Institution/Organization: Cerritos College State: California Issue Area: Academic Program Program Focus: Career/Workforce, Mentoring Program Profile: Download BACCALAUREATE LEVEL: ÁNDALE Latino Research Training Program Institution/Organization: California State University, Long Beach State: California Issue Area: Academic Program Program Focus: Career/Workforce, Undergraduate Research Program Profile: Download GRADUATE LEVEL: Crossing Latinidades Humanities Research Initiative Institution/Organization: University of Illinois Chicago State: Illinois Issue Area: Retention Program Focus: Career/Workforce, Other, Doctoral Training and Professionalization Program Profile: Download CBO LEVEL: Avanza RGV: Accelerating Latino Prosperity through Education & Career Pathways Institution/Organization: Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (VIDA) State: Texas Issue Area: Support Services Program Focus: Career/Workforce, Adult Learners Program Profile: Download 2024 Examples of Excelencia : The 2024 Examples of Excelencia were selected from a group of 18 finalists that were gathered from 103 program profile submissions representing 20 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Download Icon Download a copy and read the 2024 edition of What Works for Latino Students in Higher Education for more information about each program’s evidence-based practices and their impact. ASSOCIATE LEVEL: English for Academic Purposes Institution/Organization: Reading Area Community College State: Pennsylvania Issue Area: Academic Program Program Focus: Bilingual/ESL BACCALAUREATE LEVEL: The College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) Institution/Organization: Washington State University State: Washington Issue Area: Support Services Program Focus: First-Year Support GRADUATE LEVEL: Project upGRADS Institution/Organization: California State University, Fullerton State: California Issue Area: Support Services Program Focus: First-Year Support, Mentoring CBO LEVEL: Career Pathways: Empowering Students to Succeed Institution/Organization: The Immokalee Foundation, Inc. State: Florida Issue Area: Access Program Focus: Career/Workforce, Scholarship WEBINAR RECORDING Elevating What Works for Latino Students: A Conversation with Practitioners Leading Successful Programs During this webinar, representatives from the 2024 Examples of Excelencia shared their programs' evidence-based practices to improve higher education outcomes. They also discussed how they measure their programs’ impact and offered insights into implementation efforts for other institutions and communities to consider. 2023 Examples of Excelencia : The 2023 Examples of Excelencia were selected from a group of 19 finalists that were gathered from 103 program profile submissions that represented 20 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Download Icon Download and read a copy of the 2023 edition of What Works for Latino Students in Higher Education for more information about each program’s evidence-based practices and their impact. ASSOCIATE LEVEL: Engineering Program at Wright Institution/Organization: City Colleges of Chicago, Wilbur Wright College State: Illinois Issue Area: Academic Program Program Focus: Career/Workforce, Transfer BACCALAUREATE LEVEL: Spanish Community Translation and Interpreting Program Institution/Organization: The University of Texas at Arlington State: Texas Issue Area: Academic Program Program Focus: Career/Workforce, Discipline/Subject GRADUATE LEVEL: Graduate Equity Fellowship Program Institution/Organization: California State University, Chico State: California Issue Area: Retention Program Focus: Career/Workforce, Mentoring CBO LEVEL: College and Career Success Institution/Organization: Breakthrough Central Texas State: Texas Issue Area: Support Services Program Focus: First-Year Support, Mentoring

Excelencia's mission is to accelerate Latino student success in higher education— to enhance our workforce, leadership, economy, and Ensure America’s Future. Workforce Excelencia in Education's mission is to accelerate Latino student success while increasing all student success in higher education—from college-to-career by strengthening pathways into the workforce, improving post-completion outcomes, and advancing the talent that drives our nation’s economy. Click on the tabs below to explore. FINDING YOUR WORKFORCE EXECUTIVE SUMMARY TOP 25 INSTITUTIONS PARTNER Latino talent is vital to our workforce—particularly in science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics (STEAM), where innovation and creativity converge to drive economic growth. As artificial intelligence (AI) accelerates changes across industries, the future of work will rely on an interdisciplinary workforce that pairs technical expertise with uniquely human capabilities like creativity and collaboration. Integrating the arts into STEM is essential for national competitiveness; however, Latinos remain significantly underrepresented in these high-wage, high-growth sectors. This brief is Excelencia’s roadmap for both employers and institutions to take action to ensure America’s future by advancing Latino talent, and highlighting the Top 25 institutions at each credential level as leading places to recruit and source this talent. The top 5 institutions awarding STEAM credentials to Latinos across all credential levels are: Miami Dade College in Florida (FL) Dallas College (TX) Central New Mexico Community College (NM) Valencia College (FL) Lone Star College System (TX) LEARN MORE Executive Summary Read this Executive Summary for insights on how Latino talent is vital to our workforce—particularly in science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics (STEAM), where innovation and creativity converge to drive economic growth. As artificial intelligence (AI) accelerates changes across industries, the future of work will rely on an interdisciplinary workforce that pairs technical expertise with uniquely human capabilities like creativity and collaboration. Integrating the arts into STEM is essential for national competitiveness; however, Latinos remain significantly underrepresented in these high-wage, high-growth sectors. This executive summary highlights Latino participation in the STEAM education-to-workforce pipeline and actionable strategies for institutions and employers to close persistent gaps in access, completion, and workforce outcomes. LEARN MORE The Top 25 Institutions Graduating Latinos in STEAM Across all Degree Levels Latino talent is vital to our workforce—particularly in science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics (STEAM), where innovation and creativity converge to drive economic growth. As artificial intelligence (AI) accelerates changes across industries, the future of work will rely on an interdisciplinary workforce that pairs technical expertise with uniquely human capabilities like creativity and collaboration. Integrating the arts into STEM is essential for national competitiveness; however, Latinos remain significantly underrepresented in these high-wage, high-growth sectors. This companion piece summarizes the Top 25 institutions graduating Latino students in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics) across all credential levels (certificate, associate, bachelor's, master’s, and doctorate). LEARN MORE Excelencia in Education's Finding Your Workforce: Linking College Completion with U.S. Workforce Needs in Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) was developed in partnership with the Global Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) Equity Innovation Hub at California State University, Northridge (CSUN). Advancing Post-Completion Success Post-Completion Success: How Leading HSIs Are Transforming Career Readiness As the Latino population grows, their educational and career success is tied to the nation’s economic prosperity. Despite current discourse that calls to question the value of higher education today, research continues to show that a college degree increases lifetime earnings, job stability, and long-term well-being. For Latino students, degrees can transform life trajectories—not only for individuals but for entire families. Strengthening pathways from college to career for Latino, and all, students is key to our country, future workforce, and advancing economic mobility. In this brief, Excelencia in Education identified three key post-completion strategies from engaging with institutions in the Excelencia in Action network—preparing Latino, and all, students for success beyond graduation, linking them to meaningful workforce opportunities, and measuring post-completion outcomes. LEARN MORE Expand Your Knowledge about Workforce with Excelencia How does data on Latino college completion inform U.S. workforce needs? Data inform the profile of Latino students in higher education and the institutions graduating them. As Latino college enrollment and completion continue to rise nationwide, understanding these trends is essential to meeting current and future workforce demands and strengthening the country’s economic competitiveness. How do we close the opportunity gap and why does this matter for the workforce? Closing the opportunity gap requires a tactical plan for accelerating, not just increasing, Latinos’ degree attainment. Latino students represent a young, fast-growing group of college-goers and are central to the nation’s future workforce. Investing in Latino college completion strengthens the talent, expands access to skilled workers across sectors, and ensures the U.S. can meet its future civic leadership and workforce needs How are leading Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) supporting Latino, and all, students beyond degree completion? HSIs are expanding their commitment to Latino student success beyond enrollment and graduation by intentionally incorporating workforce preparation and post-completion efforts into their institutional efforts and strategic plans. Through career-aligned learning, partnerships with employers, and pathways from college to career, HSIs are helping Latino, and all, graduates transition into the workforce. All Workforce Resources This compilation of publications represents work Excelencia has released in relation to Latinos in the workforce in the following categories: Latinos in the Workforce HSIs and Workforce Post-Completion Efforts at HSIs Finding Your Workforce Latino College Completion Scroll by using the arrows below to navigate through all research available.

It's hard to imagine the realm without Excelencia. They’ve been strong and effective advocates on behalf of students. A critical partner – in terms of importance, but also perspective – they challenge all of us in the community to be mindful of needs and challenges of Latino students. Leadership A National Network of Leaders for Latino, and All, Student Success The Latino community brings talent and vitality to America's economy, workforce, and society, and we must accelerate their success while increasing all student success. Excelencia in Education's E-Action network of presidents work with Excelencia to leverage collective expertise and resources, foster partnerships, and amplify current efforts at the national level to ensure Latino, and all, students thrive. LEARN MORE How Do We Work With Institutions? Excelencia meets institutions where they are on their journeys to increase Latino, and all, student success with intentionality and impact. EXPLORE THE JOURNEY Building Momentum for Higher Education Transformation Excelencia’s network represents a small percentage of colleges and universities nationwide that disproportionately enroll and graduate Latino students. These institutions are changing the face of higher education. DISCOVER OUR IMPACT

These programs positively impact their Latino students and local communities by incorporating intentional and culturally relevant evidence-based practices. Examples of Excelencia Finalists 2025 This year, Excelencia in Education recognized 12 programs that demonstrate intentionality and impact in improving Latino, and all, student success in higher education. The finalists for the 2025 Examples of Excelencia are increasing access to a quality college education through evidence-based practices such as bridge programs, academic advising and counseling, family engagement through bilingual outreach, and targeted mentoring and coaching designed to help students graduate workforce-ready. Since 2005, Excelencia has reviewed over 2,500 program submissions, recognized over 400 for their proven impact, and raised and awarded more than $2 million to programs making a positive difference for students across the nation. Looking to connect with these programs or other evidence-based programs recognized by Excelencia ? Tell us what you’re looking for, and we’ll provide you with a curated list of programs making an impact on student success based on the state, academic level, or issue area of your interest. Contact us . ASSOCIATE LEVEL: Example of Excelencia : General Motors Automotive Service Education Program (GM ASEP) | Cerritos College (CA) Institution/Organization: Cerritos College State: California Issue Area: Academic Program Program Focus: Career/Workforce, Mentoring College Access Latinx Initiative (CALI) | Portland Community College (OR) Institution/Organization: Portland Community College State: Oregon Issue Area: Access Program Focus: College Prep, First Year Support BACCALAUREATE LEVEL: Example of Excelencia : Advancing Nutrition Development through Alliance for Education and Leadership (ÁNDALE) Latino Research Training Program | California State University, Long Beach (CA) Institution/Organization: California State University, Long Beach State: California Issue Area: Academic Program Program Focus: Career/Workforce, Undergraduate Research Algebra Recitation Program | Aurora University (IL) Institution/Organization: Aurora University State: Illinois Issue Area: Retention Program Focus: Discipline/Subject, First Year Support GRADUATE LEVEL: Example of Excelencia : Crossing Latinidades Humanities Research Initiative | University of Illinois Chicago (IL) Institution/Organization: University of Illinois Chicago State: Illinois Issue Area: Retention Program Focus: Career/Workforce, Other, Doctoral Training and Professionalization Learn More: LAWtina | University of Arizona (AZ) Institution/Organization: University of Arizona, College of Law State: Arizona Issue Area: Access Program Focus: Career/Workforce, Mentoring The Bridge-to-Math-Doctorate Program | University of Texas, Arlington (TX) Institution/Organization: University of Texas, Arlington State: Texas Issue Area: Academic Program Program Focus: Mentoring, Scholarship COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS (CBO) LEVEL: Example of Excelencia : Avanza RGV: Accelerating Latino Prosperity Through Education & Career Pathways | Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (VIDA) (TX) Institution/Organization: Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (VIDA) State: Texas Issue Area: Support Services Program Focus: Adult Learners, Career/Workforce CREAR Futuros | Hispanic Federation (NY) Institution/Organization: Hispanic Federation State: New York Issue Area: Retention Program Focus: First Year Support, Mentoring College Success Program | Latino Education Advancement Foundation (CA) Institution/Organization: Latino Education Advancement Foundation State: California Issue Area: Support Services Program Focus: Family Engagement, First Year Support Signature Family Engagement Program (SFEP) | Parent Institute for Quality Education (PIQE) (CA) Institution/Organization: Parent Institute for Quality Education (PIQE) State: California Issue Area: Academic Program Program Focus: College Prep, Family Engagement Hermanitas & College Success Programs | MANA de San Diego (CA) Institution/Organization: MANA de San Diego State: California Issue Area: Support Services Program Focus: Career/Workforce, Mentoring

Alberto J.F. Cardelle is President of SUNY Oneonta and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page SUNY Oneonta Alberto J.F. Cardelle President Institution website: https://suny.oneonta.edu/ Bio Page: https://suny.oneonta.edu/office-president/biography Alberto J.F. Cardelle is President of SUNY Oneonta and part of Excelencia in Action network.

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