This brief outlines evolving approaches and discussions to understand post-completion success for Latino students at seven Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). < Back Beyond Completion: Post-Completion Efforts at Hispanic-Serving Institutions Gabriel Bermea July 2022 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview Post-completion success for Latino students is a conscious campus-based conversation that is gaining traction and support in a growing number of institutions. As the nation continues to recover from the economic impact of the pandemic, institutions intentionally focused on serving their students saw an opportunity to rethink their efforts to support Latino, and all, students beyond degree completion. As institutions continue to make progress on Latino enrollment and completion, Latino representation within the workforce is expected to increase by 3% every year. As a result of these changes, Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) are expanding their scope of Latino student success and taking active steps to create learning experiences that promote workforce preparation and foster Latino post-completion success. Excelencia in Education collaborated with seven HSIs to examine post-completion success efforts. Austin Community College California State University-Fullerton Long Beach City College Texas State University University of Arizona University of Illinois Chicago Wilbur Wright College Excelencia in Education's latest brief summarizes efforts by this cohort of HSIs engaged in conscious campus-based conversations to rethink their post-completion success efforts. Findings These HSIs are progressing beyond completion to meet the needs of the nation’s economy and develop strategies and practices that more intentionally serve Latino degree completers. Excelencia identified three strengths that demonstrate the cohort’s efforts to advance post-completion success efforts with the intention to serve Latino completers. These institutions showed strengths in: Offering culturally relevant institutional practices accelerating Latino post-completion success while all groups increase. Providing custom measures and metrics to track post-completion success outcomes. Demonstrating progress in closing the equity gaps of post-completion success outcomes for Latino completers. Excelencia identified three main areas of growth that institutions considered in their post-completion success efforts. These institutions seek to: Deepen their knowledge of data collection efforts and align measures to track post-completion success in both the short and long term. Forge intentional connections with employers and industries looking to diversify their employment pool. Make the case to institutional leadership for intentionally serving completers at their institution. Suggested Citation: Bermea, G.O. (July 2022). Beyond Completion: Post-Completion Efforts at Hispanic-Serving Institutions . 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 an overview of Latino college completion. LEARN MORE Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

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 How Latinos Pay for College: 2025 National Trends Excelencia’s Policy Agenda: Affordability Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

< 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.

Summary analysis and list of the 631 Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) identified for the 2024-25 academic year. < Back Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs): 2024-25 Excelencia in Education April 2026 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview Excelencia in Education has tracked the profile and growth of Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) since the founding of the organization (2004). Excelencia in Education develops and releases the list of institutions meeting the basic definition every year to inform the field looking to where Latinos enroll and how institutions serve. HSIs were first defined in federal legislation in the 1992 Higher Education Act and received dedicated federal funding in 1995 to build capacity, improve academic quality, and expand access for Latino and other low-income students. HSIs are defined in federal legislation as accredited, degree-granting public or private nonprofit institutions of higher education with 25% or more total undergraduate Hispanic full-time equivalent (FTE) student enrollment. There are now 631 HSIs located in 29 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. These institutions represent 21% of all colleges and universities but enroll 65% of Latino, and 32% of all undergraduates, and graduate 67% of Latino, and 32% of all undergraduates earning a degree in the U.S. See additional data related to 2024-25 HSIs: Fact Sheet Emerging HSIs (eHSIs) List with Graduate Programs (gHSIs) List Infographic Interactive Dashboard Interactive StoryMaps Suggested Citation: Excelencia in Education. (2026). Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs): 2024-25 . Washington, D.C.: Excelencia in Education. Learn more about how Excelencia creates the list of HSIs. Learn more in Excelencia's new HSI Factbook. Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

Lawrence Schovanec is President of Texas Tech University and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Texas Tech University Lawrence Schovanec President Institution website: https://www.ttu.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.ttu.edu/administration/president/about/ Lawrence Schovanec is President of Texas Tech University and part of Excelencia in Action network.

This report portrays perspectives and leadership choices by select college and university presidents on the front lines of the changing higher education landscape. < Back Leading in a Changing America: Presidential Perspectives from Hispanic-Serving Institutions Deborah A. Santiago May 2009 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview This report portrays the perspectives and leadership choices by a select group of college and university presidents who are on the front lines of the changing higher education landscape. These leaders offer pragmatic approaches for serving first generation college-going students in the present and visions for the future of higher education that can inform the future of public policy in higher education to serve a changing America. All are presidents of institutions that enroll large numbers of nontraditional college students in some of the largest and most populous states in the country: California, New York, and Texas. Their institutions rank among the top in the country in both enrolling and graduating Latinos. Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

This brief offers policy recommendations based on recent research and discussions to improve educational attainment of California's workforce, especially Latinos. < Back California Policy Options to Accelerate Latino Success in Higher Education Deborah A. Santiago October 2016 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview To be competitive, California's economy, like the rest of the U.S., requires a greater number of well-educated workers than currently exists. Many activities are underway to improve educational preparation and opportunity for Californians. However, without concerted statewide focus to leverage existing efforts and introduce new strategic initiatives, accelerating California's higher educational attainment and workforce preparation will remain difficult. This brief offers policy recommendations, based on recent research and discussions, to improve the educational attainment of California's workforce, especially Latinos. Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

Excelencia’s affordability recommendations compel policymakers to expand access to excellence by reducing financial barriers to ensure students can earn a degree without unmanageable debt. < Back Excelencia’s Policy Agenda: College Affordability Excelencia in Education September 2026 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview Latino students leverage cost-saving measures to make college more affordable (e.g., working while enrolled, enrolling part-time, mixing their enrollment, etc.), and they balance many financial decisions when pursuing a college education–supporting their families, covering transportation costs, and weighing the opportunity cost of lost wages. Policy solutions and institutional practices must reduce prices and other financial barriers to ensure students can earn a degree without incurring unmanageable debt. We prioritize: Increasing Transparent Financial Literacy: Expanding efforts by states, institutions, and other key actors to provide resources and tools so that students and families fully understand the real costs of college and the financial resources available to them. Fostering Low-Debt Education: Advocating 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: Supporting and incentivizing institutions to lower prices and contain costs to students while investing in academic excellence. How can policy help Latino, and all, students afford a degree? Incentivize FAFSA completion to increase access to financial aid. Reduce unmet financial need to pay for college by including basic needs in financial aid calculations. Strengthen the Pell Grant and make it a fully mandatory program. Revise the Federal Work-Study distribution formula to more strategically support students with high financial need, reduce administrative burdens to program participation, and increase funding for the program. Featured Publications How Latinos Pay for College: 2025 National Trends College Affordability: Insights and Solutions from Texas Students and Postsecondary Leaders 2024 Compilation of Fast Facts RADD Consortium for the Reform The Impact of Financial Aid Student Aversion to Borrow Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

Glena Temple is President of Dominican University and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Dominican University Glena Temple President Institution website: https://www.dom.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.dom.edu/about-dominican/office-president Glena Temple is President of Dominican University and part of Excelencia in Action network.

Excelencia’s interactive dashboard provides data on Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) in 2024-25 based on sector, student body race/ethnicity, and location. < Back Explore Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) Dashboard: 2024-25 Excelencia in Education April 2026 DOWNLOADS/LINKS HSIs Dashboard SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview What is the breakdown of HSIs in 2024-25 by sector? What does the student body look like at HSIs by race/ethnicity? Where are HSIs located? Check out Excelencia’s HSI interactive dashboard to find out the answers. Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

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

Luke Wood is President of California State University-Sacramento and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page California State University-Sacramento Luke Wood President Institution website: https://www.csus.edu/ Bio Page: http://www.csus.edu/president/ Luke Wood is President of California State University-Sacramento and part of Excelencia in Action network. Seal of Excelencia Recertified Institution: 2023-2026 California State University Sacramento (Sacramento State) serves over 28,000 undergraduate students, 39% of whom are Latino. An anchor university, Sacramento State has seen enrollment of full-time and part-time Latino students increase by 34% and 66%, respectively, from 2015-2023.