< Back to News Page 18 Colleges and Universities Taking Responsibility for Students’ Educational and Economic Success Earn the Seal of Excelencia Sep 30, 2025 Contact: Media@EdExcelencia.org DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE Institutions Earning the Seal of Excelencia Go Beyond Enrollment to Intentionally Serve Latino, and All, Students, and Display a Level of Excellence WASHINGTON – Today, Excelencia in Education, a national leader in catalyzing institutional transformation for student success in higher education, announced that 18 institutions have earned the Seal of Excelencia in 2025. These institutions are part of a group of nearly 50 colleges and universities that are taking responsibility for improving Latino, and all, student success. Seal of Excelencia certified institutions produce outsized impact on student outcomes — representing less than 1% of all colleges and universities in the U.S., yet enrolling 16% and graduating 18% of Latino students nationwide, as well as enrolling 7% and graduating 8% of all students. Institutions earn the Seal by going beyond enrollment to intentionally serve Latino, and all, students, and by taking responsibility and accountability for providing access to excellence. The Seal framework aligns data, practice, and leadership to move institutions beyond isolated programs toward systemic change and investment providing institutional value to students, their families, and their communities. This year, Excelencia is introducing the Intentionally Thriving Institution (ITI) designation, that extends the impact beyond the educational pathway and recognizes positive impact in preparing students for, and connecting them to, the workforce. “Seal of Excelencia certified institutions are investing in transformation, ensuring access to excellence, and becoming places where Latino, and all, students thrive,” said Deborah Santiago, co-founder and CEO of Excelencia in Education. “These institutions have made demonstrable efforts to ensure students’ return on investment in a degree while cultivating talent that fuels our country’s future.” The Seal is a rigorous, data-driven certification, not an award or ranking. This year, five institutions have earned certification for the first time, five have earned recertification, and eight have earned Excelencia’s new ITI designation. “ Excelencia is proud to continue to catalyze and support colleges and universities that earn the Seal of Excelencia for their impact and intentional efforts to deliver on the promise of higher education for all students. Through our collaboration, we build talent for our country’s workforce and civic leadership,” said Sarita Brown, co-founder and president of Excelencia in Education. The five newly certified Seal of Excelencia institutions are: California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt (CA) Dalton State College (GA) Rutgers University-Newark (NJ) San José State University (CA) University of Nevada, Las Vegas (NV) The five recertified Seal of Excelencia institutions are: Mercy University (NY) San Antonio College (TX) University at Albany (NY) University of California, Santa Cruz (CA) The University of Texas at Arlington (TX) The eight colleges and universities that are the first to earn the Intentionally Thriving Institution designation are: Arizona State University (AZ) Austin Community College District (TX) California State University Channel Islands (CA) Florida International University (FL) Grand Valley State University (MI) South Texas College (TX) The University of Texas at El Paso (TX) University of Arizona (AZ) Latinos are the only growing college student population and represent a post-traditional student body, often navigating multiple paths through higher education while balancing work, family, and other responsibilities. As more students fit this profile, piloted efforts that work for Latino students — like those being implemented at Seal institutions — can also serve other students. Learn more about institutions that earned the Seal of Excelencia certification, recertification, and Intentionally Thriving Institution designation this year: EdExcelencia.org/seal/seal-excelencia-certified-institutions 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.

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 South Carolina, highlighting the need for strategies that accelerate Latino degree attainment and support success for all students. Latino College Completion - South Carolina 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 48% Of White adults Fast Facts South Carolina had the 28th largest Latino population in the U.S. Latino Population 11% K-12 Population 7% Total Population Enrollment 18% Latino Students 22% White Students Median Age 27 Latinos 44 White Median Income $33,385 Without a college degree $57,220 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 South Carolina. At four-year institutions, Hispanics' graduation rate was 16%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in South Carolina. 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 Clemson University Public, 4-year or above 22,778 1,984 9% 5,311 347 7% 2 University of South Carolina-Columbia Public, 4-year or above 28,113 1,667 6% 6,529 359 5% 3 Greenville Technical College Public, 4-year or above 8,171 1,268 16% 1,201 49 4% 4 Trident Technical College Public, 2-year 11,091 1,048 9% 1,410 64 5% 5 College of Charleston Public, 4-year or above 10,366 731 7% 2,020 135 7% BACK TO MAIN LCC PAGE Examples of What Works for Latino, And All, Students Looking to know what works or connect with evidence-based programs recognized by Excelencia ? Our team can work with you to identify and connect with relevant programs making an impact on student success that can help you in your efforts to intentionally serve your Latino, and all, students. Click here to contact us . Sources U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates. Excelencia in Education analysis using U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), 2023 Fall Enrollment, Graduation Rates Survey, and Institutional Characteristics Survey.

This compilation includes 53 fact sheets covering Excelencia’s latest analysis on Latinos' higher education enrollment and degree attainment across the U.S. < Back Latino College Completion: United States 2026 Compilation Excelencia in Education July 2026 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview Latinos are the fastest-growing segment of the U.S. population and are projected to represent 91 percent of new U.S. workers by 2031. Yet today, only 29 percent of Latino adults hold an associate degree or higher — compared to 49 percent of White adults and 45 percent of all adults. Closing these 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. Accelerating Latino college completion, while all increase, is an imperative for the United States to meet future workforce demands and maintain its global competitiveness. This compilation includes 53 interactive fact sheets covering Excelencia in Education’s latest analysis on Latino enrollment and degree attainment across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the United States. Latino College Completion 2026 Interactive Map Interact with the data from Excelencia's analysis across the United States, including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. LEARN MORE Suggested Citation: Excelencia in Education. (2026). Latino College Completion: United States 2026 Compilation. Washington, D.C.: Excelencia in Education. Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

Russell Lowery-Hart is Chancellor of Austin Community College District and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Austin Community College District Russell Lowery-Hart Chancellor Institution website: https://www.austincc.edu/ Bio Page: https://offices.austincc.edu/chancellor/biography/ R ussell Lowery-Hart is Chancellor of Austin Community College District and part of Excelencia in Action network. Seal of Excelencia Intentionally Thriving Institution: 2025-2028 Austin Community College District (ACC) is a public two-year college serving the Austin, Texas region. ACC is one of the largest HSIs in the country and serving the fastest-growing demographic in the Central Texas region, where education is a key lever for economic and social mobility.

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.

Alexis Padilla-Torres serves as Institutional Engagement Manager of Excelencia in Education. Alexis supports the enrollment, onboarding, and engagement of institutions within the Excelencia in Action (E-Action) network. < Back to Our People Page Alexis Padilla-Torres Institutional Engagement Manager Excelencia in Education Email: apadillatorres@edexcelencia.org Current Position: Alexis supports the enrollment, onboarding, and engagement of institutions within the Excelencia in Action (E-Action) network. She is responsible for cultivating and maintaining strong relationships with institutional leaders and connecting them with Excelencia’s diverse portfolios, comprehensive resources, research, and programs. Past Experiences: Alexis brings experience from the public and private sectors and is passionate about community building, empowerment, and sustainable impact. She has cultivated a diverse skill set and robust network through her work in state and federal government, politics, and NGOs. Most recently, Alexis worked at the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI), where she led nationwide recruitment efforts for four leadership development programs, traveling extensively across the U.S. to bring Latino talent to Washington, DC. Prior to that role, she co-managed the Postgraduate and Public Policy Fellowship Programs, supporting fellows’ leadership journeys as they navigated life on and off Capitol Hill. Why are you bringing your talent to Excelencia ? As a mission-driven individual who has spent the last several years working for a national Latino-serving organization, it was important for me to continue contributing to a space that improves outcomes for all, while applying a Latino lens. Excelencia has provided me with the unique opportunity to work at the intersection of my greatest passions: community, education, leadership, and policy. How would you describe working at Excelencia ? I view Excelencia as a powerhouse of an organization. Founded with great intentionality, it is dynamic by nature and filled with dedicated staff – each connected to the mission in their own way. Working alongside such talented colleagues is a privilege.

Adela de la Torre is President of San Diego State University and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page San Diego State University Adela de la Torre President Institution website: https://www.sdsu.edu/ Bio Page: https://president.sdsu.edu/about Adela de la Torre is President of San Diego State University and part of Excelencia in Action network. Seal of Excelencia Recertified Institution: 2024-2027 San Diego State University (SDSU) has continued its commitment to intentionally serve Latino students and the Latino community through focused areas of effort—a cornerstone to its 2020-2025 strategic plan. SDSU serves more than 33,000 students with 35% of the students identifying as Latino. Of these, more than 50% are eligible for the federal Pell grant. SDSU stands out as one of the nation's premier Hispanic-Serving, Hispanic-Thriving research universities.

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

This historical timeline graphic shows the origin of Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), including legislation and milestones from the mid-1980s to 2014. < Back HSI Origin Timeline Excelencia in Education September 2014 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Infographic PNG-HSI Origin Timeline SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview Origins Timeline – This graphic shows the origin of HSIs, including legislation and milestones from the mid-1980s to 2014. Suggested Citation: Excelencia in Education. (2014). Hispanic-Serving Institutions: Title V Funding Timeline . Washington, DC: Excelencia in Education. Download infographic png and pdf below. (Please allow a few seconds for loading of interactive infographic.) Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

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 New York, highlighting the need for strategies that accelerate Latino degree attainment and support success for all students. Latino College Completion - New York 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) 32% Of Latino adults (25 and over) had earned an associate degree or higher VS 57% Of White adults Fast Facts New York had the 4th largest Latino population in the U.S. Latino Population 25% K-12 Population 20% Total Population Enrollment 22% Latino Students 25% White Students Median Age 34 Latinos 44 White Median Income $35,239 Without a college degree $71,186 With a college degree Degree Outcomes At two-year institutions, Hispanics' graduation rate was 12%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in New York. At four-year institutions, Hispanics' graduation rate was 17%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in New York. 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 CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College Public, 2-year 16,850 7,648 45% 3,399 1,409 41% 2 CUNY Lehman College Public, 4-year or above 10,438 5,930 57% 2,490 1,395 56% 3 CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice Public, 4-year or above 11,340 5,798 51% 3,188 1,501 47% 4 Suffolk County Community College Public, 2-year 14,134 5,670 40% 2,755 850 31% 5 CUNY Hunter College Public, 4-year or above 16,642 5,317 32% 3,252 907 28% BACK TO MAIN LCC PAGE Examples of What Works for Latino, And All, Students Looking to know what works or connect with evidence-based programs recognized by Excelencia ? Our team can work with you to identify and connect with relevant programs making an impact on student success that can help you in your efforts to intentionally serve your Latino, and all, students. Click here to contact us . Sources U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates. Excelencia in Education analysis using U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), 2023 Fall Enrollment, Graduation Rates Survey, and Institutional Characteristics Survey.

Excelencia in Education is committed to accelerating Latino college completion while increasing for all. Our analysis shows persistent gaps between Latino and White students in Florida, highlighting the need for strategies that accelerate Latino degree attainment and support success for all students. Latino College Completion - Florida 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) 40% Of Latino adults (25 and over) had earned an associate degree or higher VS 49% Of White adults Fast Facts Florida had the 3rd largest Latino population in the U.S. Latino Population 32% K-12 Population 27% Total Population Enrollment 22% Latino Students 22% White Students Median Age 37 Latinos 51 White Median Income $33,372 Without a college degree $59,206 With a college degree Degree Outcomes At two-year institutions, Hispanics' graduation rate was 10%-points higher than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Florida. At four-year institutions, Hispanics' graduation rate was 8%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Florida. 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 Florida International University Public, 4-year or above 38,761 26,234 68% 11,661 7,691 66% 2 Miami Dade College Public, 4-year or above 35,001 25,146 72% 9,807 7,038 72% 3 University of Central Florida Public, 4-year or above 59,095 18,188 31% 15,548 4,536 29% 4 Valencia College Public, 4-year or above 35,125 15,435 44% 8,882 3,383 38% 5 Broward College Public, 4-year or above 23,799 8,973 38% 5,544 1,983 36% 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.

Ellen M. Granberg is President of George Washington University and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page George Washington University Ellen M. Granberg President Institution website: https://www.gwu.edu/ Bio Page: https://president.gwu.edu/about-dr-granberg Ellen M. Granberg is President of George Washington University and part of Excelencia in Action network.