This publication is an environmental scan of colleges and universities in Puerto Rico to understand their resilience and efforts to serve Latino, and all, students. < Back Higher Education in Puerto Rico: Conditions and Context Influencing Institutional Resilience Excelencia in Education May 2021 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview Excelencia in Education conducted an environmental scan of Puerto Rico to better understand the community and context of higher education, as colleges and universities transform to better serve their Latino students. This environmental scan identifies and includes a profile of the community overall, the socio-economic profile and educational pipeline, and the condition of institutions of higher education over the past several years. The context of colleges and universities to enroll, retain, and graduate their Latino (and all) students can help to understand institutional resiliency during times of crises. This can help inform efforts to support institutions and students on the island, as well as other institutions on the U.S. mainland so they can better serve their Latino and all students during times of economic, political, and natural challenges. This publication is the first of a two-part study on transformation by colleges and universities to better serve their Latino, and all, students in Puerto Rico and will be in partnership with the Puerto Rico Endowment for the Humanities ( La Fundación Puertorriqueña de las Humanidades ). This publication was developed with the support of Ascendium Education Group. Learn more about Latino College Completion in Puerto Rico View the infographic on Higher Education in Puerto Rico: Conditions and Context Influencing Institutional Resilience Webinar - Higher Education in Puerto Rico: Conditions and Context Influencing Institutional Resilience - A Conversation with Puerto Rican Leaders After a challenging five years, what is the condition of higher education in Puerto Rico and what can institutions on the mainland learn as they address similar challenges? Presented in cooperation with Fundación Puertorriqueña de las Humanidades. Moderator : Deborah Santiago , Co-Founder & CEO Excelencia in Education Speakers : Margarita Benítez , Executive Director, Puerto Rico Endowment for the Humanities ( Fundación Puertorriqueña de las Humanidades) Hilda Colón Plumey , Educational Consultant José Caraballo-Cueto , Associate Professor University of Puerto Rico at Cayey Click Below to download the webinar slides (PDF). SLIDES-Webinar-Higher-Education-Puerto-Rico .pdf Download PDF • 1.70MB Click Below t o download the Net Migration: Puerto Rico 2011-2020 (PDF in Spanish only). *Provided by José Caraballo-Cueto Net-Migration-PR-2011-2020 .pdf Download PDF • 253KB Infographics to share Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

This compilation has fact sheets covering Excelencia's policy priorities: affordability, institutional capacity, retention and transfer, and workforce preparation. < Back Latinos in Higher Education: Compilation of Fast Facts Excelencia in Education April 2019 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview Excelencia in Education accelerates Latino student success in higher education to address the U.S. economy’s need for a highly educated workforce for civic leadership. Policy must keep up with our country’s changing demographics to serve students. This compilation includes fact sheets covering Excelencia's four policy priorities: affordability, institutional capacity, retention and transfer, and workforce preparation. In addition, the compilation covers the following topics: adult learners, enrollment and completion of Latinos in Puerto Rico, Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), and the top 25 institutions awarding degrees to Latinos at every degree level. Table of Contents: OVERVIEW Profile of Latino College Students Latino Males in Higher Education Latino Adult Learners in Higher Education Higher Education in Puerto Rico AFFORDABILITY How Latinos Pay for College Latinos and Student Loans Latinos and Pell Grants INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITY Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs): 2017-2018 Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) 101: Building Capacity RETENTION, TRANSFER, and COMPLETION Latino Pathways to College Completion Latino College Enrollment and Completion: Top States Top 25 Institutions Awarding Credentials/Degrees to Latinos: Certificates Associate Baccalaureate Master's Doctorate First Professional Latinos and College Completion: Degrees Awarded 2016-2017 Latino Degree Attainment: 5 Year Overview WORKFORCE Latino Student Success and the Workforce Life Outcomes After Graduation: A Focus on Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) Infographics to share Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

Summary analysis and list of the 602 Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) identified for the 2023-24 academic year. < Back Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs): 2023-24 Excelencia in Education April 2025 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview 2025 marks 30 years of federal funding for Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). HSIs were included 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. Since the organization’s founding over 20 years ago, Excelencia in Education has released its annual analysis on this critical group of institutions enrolling and graduating Latino students. There are now 602 HSIs located in 29 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. These institutions represent 20% of all colleges and universities but enroll 30% and graduate 31% of all undergraduates earning a degree in the U.S. HSIs also enroll 64% and graduate 66% of all Latino undergraduates earning degrees in the nation. See additional data related to 2023-24 HSIs: Fact Sheet Emerging HSIs (eHSIs) List with Graduate Programs (gHSIs) List Infographic Interactive Dashboard Interactive StoryMaps *Publication download updated as of May 12, 2025* Suggested Citation: Excelencia in Education. (2025). Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs): 2023-24 . 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

Trendsetting colleges and universities across the country are on the journey to more intentionally SERVE Latino students in partnership with Excelencia in Education. The Journey to Intentionally Serve Latino, and All, Students Trendsetting colleges and universities across the country are on the journey to more intentionally serve Latino, and all, students in partnership with Excelencia in Education. By identifying opportunities to do things differently and investing in transformation on their campuses, they are becoming places where Latino, and all, students thrive. As a trusted partner, facilitator, and guide, Excelencia meets institutions where they are on their journeys to increase Latino, and all, student success with intentionality and impact. We leverage over 20 years of experience listening to, learning from, and working with colleges and universities to empower those in our network to expand awareness of who they serve, conduct analysis of what works, and take action that ensures their students are served well. Outcomes from the Journey Excelencia sees colleges and universities through the milestones of the journey to more intentionally serve Latino students. Specifically, we support institutions to: Advance a mindset and culture among campus leadership of increasing institutional capacity to more intentionally SERVE Latino, and all, students. Improve enrollment, retention, and completion rates for Latino, and all, students. Improve data collection methods to better analyze students’ current and future needs. Galvanize systemic change efforts across institutions by cultivating champions that enhance intentionality in serving Latino students within institutions and broadly. Build sustaining relationships within and across institutions, as part of Excelencia’s approach to creating a community of common cause. Support institutional strategic planning by increasing understanding of the Seal of Excelencia framework , which integrates essential components of data, practice, and leadership. Institutions on the Journey Excelencia in Action national network represents more than 200 higher education leaders committed to making their institutions learning environments where Latino, and all, students thrive. This network represents just 6% of colleges and universities in the country yet enrolls 34% and graduates 36% of all Latino students nationwide. Affiliation with the network affirms commitment to increasing Latino, and all, student success, and institutions have unique opportunities to go further by participating in Excelencia’s collaborative learning and support. PARTNER WITH EXCELENCIA Evidence-Based Practices on the Journey For 21 years, Excelencia has brought attention to noteworthy efforts to increase Latino, and all, student success in higher education, inspiring educators, community leaders, funders, and policymakers to bring to scale evidence-based practices. Essential to this work is Examples of Excelencia , the only national, data-driven effort to identify and promote what works for Latino and other post-traditional students. Institutions on the journey have the opportunity to share programs on their campus with evidence of effectiveness in serving Latino, and all, students. We equip program leaders to measure their impact with our Examples of Excelencia Program Profile Submission Guide , and support opportunities to learn about and connect with programs recognized by Excelencia . Click here to explore what works for student success and to connect with the leaders of evidence-based programs. SHARE YOUR IMPACT Resources on the Journey Excelencia’s robust capacity building strategy informs institutional efforts to advance awareness, analysis, and action — important steps on the journey to more intentionally serve Latino, and all, students. Intentionally serving students begins with self-assessment, which Excelencia facilitates through the Seal Serving Institutional Transformation Assessment (SSITA) , a tool and cohort-based experience for institutions to assess who they serve with a Latino lens. From there, Excelencia’s Capacity Building Institutes offer curated content and community building that support institutional teams as they learn, share, and implement strategies to align student success efforts across data, practice, and leadership. EXPLORE TA OPPORTUNITIES Meet the 61 institutions partnering with Excelencia to elevate their commitment to Latino, and all, student success in 2024: Arizona Arizona State University Pima Community College Scottsdale Community College California Berkeley City College California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt California State University Channel Islands California State University, Fresno California State University, Fullerton California State University, Long Beach California State University, Northridge California State University, San Bernardino Glendale Community College Long Beach City College Loyola Marymount University San Francisco State University University of California, Davis University of California, Merced University of California, Santa Cruz Florida Florida International University Miami Dade College Georgia Dalton State College Illinois City Colleges of Chicago, Richard J. Daley College City Colleges of Chicago, Wilbur Wright College College of Lake County Northern Illinois University University of Illinois Chicago Indiana Purdue University Northwest Massachusetts Holyoke Community College Salem State University Michigan Grand Valley State University Western Michigan University New Jersey Fairleigh Dickinson University Montclair State University UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ Nevada University of Nevada, Las Vegas New York Mercy University State University of New York at Oneonta University at Albany – State University of New York Oregon Columbia Gorge Community College Pennsylvania Lehigh Carbon Community College Texas Austin Community College District El Paso Community College Laredo College Lone Star College-University Park Northwest Vista College San Antonio College South Texas College Southwestern Adventist University St. Edward's University St. Mary's University in San Antonio Sul Ross State University Texas A&M University-Kingsville Texas Tech University The University of Texas at Arlington The University of Texas at Austin The University of Texas at Dallas The University of Texas at San Antonio The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley University of Houston-Downtown Washington Bellevue College Wisconsin Gateway Technical College

Excelencia developed the Emerging Hispanic-Serving Institutions (eHSI) category to track growth of potential HSIs. There were 418 eHSIs in the 2023-24 academic year. < Back Emerging Hispanic-Serving Institutions (eHSIs): 2023-24 Excelencia in Education April 2025 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview The defining characteristic of HSIs is their Hispanic enrollment, not their institutional mission. While there are 602 institutions that met the HSI enrollment requirement in 2023-24, there are also 418 institutions that have between 15 and 24.9 percent undergraduate full-time equivalent (FTE) Hispanic enrollment. These 418 institutions are identified as Emerging HSIs (eHSIs). Excelencia in Education developed the Emerging HSIs (eHSI) category to track the growth of potential HSIs in 2009. While eHSIs do not have the critical mass of Latino student enrollment required to meet the definition of an HSI, these institutions may soon meet the requirement as their enrollment grows and Latino representation increases. See additional data related to 2023-24 HSIs: Fact Sheet List with Graduate Programs (gHSIs) List Infographic Interactive Dashboard Interactive StoryMaps Suggested Citation: Excelencia in Education. (2025). Emerging Hispanic-Serving Institutions (eHSIs): 2023-24 . Washington, D.C.: Excelencia in Education. Learn more in Excelencia’s new HSI Factbook. Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

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 their Latino 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

There are opportunities to address the educational attainment of Latino adults. This fact sheet provides a snapshot of Latino adults in higher education. < Back Latino Adult Learners in Higher Education Excelencia in Education June 2017 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Fact Sheet SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview Latinos are a young and fast growing population in education, but there are also opportunities to address the educational attainment of adults. Two-thirds of Latino adults have earned a high school diploma or less. This factsheet provides a snapshot of Latino adults in higher education. Looking to know what works or connect with evidence-based programs recognized by Excelencia ? Let’s talk. 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 . Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

This publication profiles discussions with college presidents to better understand their perspectives on what it means to be a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI). < Back Hearing from Presidents of Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) Deborah A. Santiago December 2006 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview Institution presidents help to set the vision, tone, and priorities for institutional practices. Direct involvement from campus leaders proved critical to the Latino Student Success (LSS) project series. Hearing from Presidents of Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) : Defining Student Success, Measures of Accountability, and What it Means to be an HSI profiles responses from individual interviews with college presidents to better understand their perspectives on three main topics: Defining student success; Measuring institutional accountability; and, Describing what it means to be an HSI. Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

San Antonio demonstrates how a community can partner across sectors and institutions to remove financial aid as a barrier for students to access higher education. < Back The Impact of Financial Aid on Student College Access and Success: The San Antonio Experience Noé C. Ortiz ; Eyra A. Pérez March 2014 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview The success of the financial aid initiative is founded on the premise that the truest impact occurs when the greater community owns and develops solutions to issues that impede student progress. Co-authored by two community leaders, Noé Ortiz and Eyra Pérez, the San Antonio experience demonstrates how a community can partner across different sectors and institutions to remove financial aid as a barrier for students to access postsecondary education. The San Antonio case study shares successes, challenges and lessons learned in creating and implementing three strategic components: 1. Student Aid Saturdays San Antonio 2. Financial Aid Curriculum for High School Students 3. Financial Aid Council of San Antonio San Antonio’s growth, diversity, and leadership in strengthening the opportunity for success of its community, provides a useful case study for other communities throughout the United States. In this context, we draw three lessons relevant to communities across America: Partnership development was, and continues to be, a key factor—and challenge—in successful efforts. It is critical to determine how to most effectively empower Latino students and their families to navigate the complex financial aid system in a community context. A robust data collection system is needed to quantify a community’s needs, verify what works, and translate best efforts into best results. 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 Latinos 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

Excelencia's 2024 What Works for Latino Students in Higher Education compendium details programs intentionally supporting Latino and other post-traditional students. < Back 2024 What Works for Latino Students in Higher Education Excelencia in Education September 2024 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview For 20 years, Excelencia in Education has identified and promoted evidence-based practices increasing Latino student success. Since 2005 Excelencia has received over 2,000 program submissions for Examples of Excelencia , recognized over 400 programs for their impact, and raised and awarded over $2 million in funds to programs making a positive difference for Latino students across the country. Programs at the associate, baccalaureate, graduate, and community-based organization levels are recognized for their intentional and culturally relevant asset-based efforts. Our 2024 What Works for Latino Students in Higher Education compendium recognizes the critical work that this year’s four Examples of Excelencia , eighteen finalists , and twelve Programs to Watch are doing across the nation. These programs demonstrate an intentional and aligned approach in supporting Latino and other post-traditional students academically, financially, and socially as they make their way to and through college. Excelencia in Education invites you to learn more about the recognized programs that best exemplify the spirit of Examples of Excelencia through the 2024 What Works for Latino Students in Higher Education. 2024 Examples of Excelencia ASSOCIATE LEVEL: English for Academic Purposes | Reading Area Community College (PA) Institution/Organization: Reading Area Community College State: Pennsylvania Issue Area: Academic Program Program Focus: Bilingual/ESL BACCALAUREATE LEVEL: The College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) | Washington State University (WA) Institution/Organization: Washington State University State: Washington Issue Area: Support Services Program Focus: First-Year Support GRADUATE LEVEL: Project upGRADS | California State University, Fullerton (CA) Institution/Organization: California State University, Fullerton State: California Issue Area: Support Services Program Focus: First-Year Support, Mentoring COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATION LEVEL: Career Pathways: Empowering Students to Succeed | The Immokalee Foundation, Inc. (FL) Institution/Organization: The Immokalee Foundation, Inc. State: Florida Issue Area: Access Program Focus: Career/Workforce, Scholarship Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

The purpose of this issue brief is to provide a common definition and methodology for identifying HSIs that will result in better, more accurate analysis. < Back Essay: Creating a List of Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) Excelencia in Education April 2025 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview Excelencia in Education has been tracking the growth of Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), Emerging Hispanic-Serving Institutions (eHSIs), and Hispanic-Serving Institutions with Graduate Programs (gHSIs) for over 20 years and has released its analyses on these institutions annually. The purpose of this essay is to provide a common definition and methodology for identifying HSIs that will result in better, more accurate analysis. Using a common definition based on an established methodology will more accurately represent this group of institutions. As the Latino population continues to grow, so will the number of Latino college-bound students. The number and size of HSIs will also continue to grow and will play a critical role in enhancing Latino students' access to higher education throughout the United States. Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce