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 Iowa. Latino College Completion - Iowa 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 44% Of White adults Fast Facts Iowa had the 36th largest Latino population in the U.S. Latino Population 11% K-12 Population 7% Total Population 2-Year Graduation Rate 31% Latino Students 43% White Students Median Age 23 Latinos 41 White 4-Year Graduation Rate 59% Latino Students 73% White Students Degree Outcomes At two-year institutions , Hispanics' graduation rate was 12%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Iowa. At four-year institutions , Hispanics' graduation rate was 14%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Iowa. 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 Iowa, 2021-2022 Rank Institutions Sector Grand Total Hispanic Total % Hispanic 1 University of Iowa Public, 4-year or above 21,198 1,811 9% 2 Iowa State University Public, 4-year or above 25,537 1,790 7% 3 Des Moines Area Community College Public, 2-year 10,175 852 8% 4 Western Iowa Tech Community College Public, 2-year 2,657 587 22% 5 Kirkwood Community College Public, 2-year 7,778 548 7% Top Institutions Awarding Associate Degrees to Hispanics in Iowa, 2020-2021 Rank Institutions Sector Grand Total Hispanic Total % Hispanic 1 Des Moines Area Community College Public, 2-year 1,996 125 6% 2 Kirkwood Community College Public, 2-year 1,625 110 7% 3 Eastern Iowa Community College District Public, 2-year 835 94 11% 4 Western Iowa Tech Community College Public, 2-year 417 59 14% 5 Iowa Central Community College Public, 2-year 732 48 7% Top Institutions Awarding Bachelor Degrees to Hispanics in Iowa, 2020-2021 Rank Institutions Sector Grand Total Hispanic Total % Hispanic 1 University of Iowa Public, 4-year or above 5,283 408 8% 2 Iowa State University Public, 4-year or above 6,405 345 5% 3 University of Northern Iowa Public, 4-year or above 2,227 92 4% 4 Upper Iowa University Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above 933 74 8% 5 Drake University Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above 628 49 8% 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.

Susana Rivera-Mills is President of Aurora University and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Aurora University Susana Rivera-Mills President Institution website: https://aurora.edu/index.html Bio Page: https://aurora.edu/president/leadership/susana-rivera-mills.html S usana Rivera-Mills is President of Aurora University and part of Excelencia in Action network.

Nationally, the gap in degree completion between Latinos and their White peers has increased. To reach the Latino degree attainment goal by 2030, the U.S. can close the degree completion gap by accelerating Latino completion while increasing for all students and scale up programs and initiatives that work for Latino, and all, students. Latino College Completion: United States Does Latino college completion vary by location? Nationally, the gap in degree completion between Latinos and their White peers continues. To reach the Latino degree attainment goal by 2030, the U.S. can close the degree completion gap by accelerating Latino completion while increasing for all students and scale up programs and initiatives that work for Latino, and all, students. Degree Attainment for Latino Students, 2021 Filter by State/Location: Select State Click a state below to see the state's full fact sheet and learn more about degree attainment for Latino students. National Graduation rate at 4-year institutions 52% 65% vs Hispanic White non-Hispanic California Graduation rate at 4-year institutions 58% 70% vs Hispanic White non-Hispanic Alabama Graduation rate at 4-year institutions 58% 68% vs Hispanic White non-Hispanic Colorado Graduation rate at 4-year institutions 44% 59% vs Hispanic White non-Hispanic Alaska Graduation rate at 4-year institutions 29% 39% vs Hispanic White non-Hispanic Connecticut Graduation rate at 4-year institutions 61% 75% vs Hispanic White non-Hispanic Arizona Graduation rate at 4-year institutions 55% 59% vs Hispanic White non-Hispanic Delaware Graduation rate at 4-year institutions 51% 68% vs Hispanic White non-Hispanic Arkansas Graduation rate at 4-year institutions 49% 58% vs Hispanic White non-Hispanic District of Columbia Graduation rate at 4-year institutions 76% 84% vs Hispanic White non-Hispanic 1 2 3 4 5 1 ... 1 2 3 4 5 6 ... 6 Public Leadership Leaders of these institutions and systems are choosing to join Excelencia’s national leadership effort and serve as funding partners for Latino College Completion U.S. and our Ensuring America’s Future campaign:

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 Connecticut. Latino College Completion - Connecticut 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) 28% Of Latino adults (25 and over) had earned an associate degree or higher VS 55% Of White adults Fast Facts Connecticut had the 18th largest Latino population in the U.S. Latino Population 25% K-12 Population 18% Total Population 2-Year Graduation Rate 11% Latino Students 19% White Students Median Age 30 Latinos 48 White 4-Year Graduation Rate 61% Latino Students 75% White Students Degree Outcomes At two-year institutions , Hispanics' graduation rate was 8%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Connecticut. At four-year institutions , Hispanics' graduation rate was 14%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Connecticut. 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 Connecticut, 2021-2022 Rank Institutions Sector Grand Total Hispanic Total % Hispanic 1 University of Connecticut Public, 4-year or above 18,362 2,650 14% 2 Gateway Community College Public, 2-year 5,194 1,574 30% 3 Norwalk Community College Public, 2-year 3,557 1,530 43% 4 Naugatuck Valley Community College Public, 2-year 4,297 1,392 32% 5 Central Connecticut State University Public, 4-year or above 7,616 1,299 17% Top Institutions Awarding Associate Degrees to Hispanics in Connecticut, 2020-2021 Rank Institutions Sector Grand Total Hispanic Total % Hispanic 1 Norwalk Community College Public, 2-year 542 169 31% 2 Naugatuck Valley Community College Public, 2-year 604 136 23% 3 Gateway Community College Public, 2-year 566 135 24% 4 Housatonic Community College Public, 2-year 357 130 36% 5 Manchester Community College Public, 2-year 591 104 18% Top Institutions Awarding Bachelor Degrees to Hispanics in Connecticut, 2020-2021 Rank Institutions Sector Grand Total Hispanic Total % Hispanic 1 University of Connecticut Public, 4-year or above 5,433 632 12% 2 Central Connecticut State University Public, 4-year or above 1,838 273 15% 3 Southern Connecticut State University Public, 4-year or above 1,613 202 13% 4 Western Connecticut State University Public, 4-year or above 1,035 196 19% 5 Quinnipiac University Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above 1,787 175 10% 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.

Jack Warner is President of Rhode Island College and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Rhode Island College Jack Warner President Institution website: https://www.ric.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.ric.edu/about/college-leadership/dr-jack-r-warners-inauguration/meet-president-dr-jack-r-warner Jack Warner is President of Rhode Island College and part of Excelencia in Action network.

< Back to News Page Excelencia in Education Recognizes Programs Intentionally Serving Latino, and all, Students in Higher Education Aug 13, 2024 Contact: Media@EdExcelencia.org DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE Eighteen Programs Attain National Recognition as Examples of Excelencia Finalists for Evidence-Based Practices Making a Positive Impact on Latino, and all, Student Success WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 13, 2024) – In our 20th year of service to accelerate Latino student success while increasing all student success in higher education, Excelencia in Education announced today the finalists for the 2024 Examples of Excelencia , recognizing 18 programs across the country that intentionally serve Latino students amongst all in higher education with culturally relevant and asset-based programming. Examples of Excelencia is the only national, data-driven effort to identify, aggregate, and promote evidence-based practices increasing Latino student success amongst all served in higher education. Since 2005, Excelencia has received over 2,000 program submissions, recognized over 400 programs for their impact, and raised and awarded over $2 million to programs making a positive difference for Latino, and all, students across the country. This year’s finalists demonstrate an intentional and aligned approach in supporting Latino and other post-traditional students academically, financially, and socially. These efforts lead to improved retention and persistence rates as students work toward credit and degree completion. Practitioners and leaders can look to the 2024 Examples of Excelencia finalists as models of what is possible when you intentionally serve Latino, and all, students. “Participating in Examples of Excelencia allows practitioners to assess and share the impact of their program on Latino participants. Excelencia applauds this year’s finalists for ensuring their programming intentionally serves Latino students in comprehensive and asset-based ways to support them to and through college,” said Adriana Rodriguez, COO and vice president for institutional programs at Excelencia in Education. The 18 finalists were selected through a review of 103 program submissions representing higher education institutions and community-based organizations across 20 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico in four categories: associate, baccalaureate, graduate, and community-based organizations. Programmatic details about the finalists will be featured in Excelencia’s Growing What Works Database — the only national database for institutional leaders, funders, policymakers, and others interested in evidence-based programming for Latino, and all, students. On September 30, Excelencia will announce four of the 18 finalists selected as the 2024 Examples of Excelencia at Celebración de Excelencia , the organization’s annual recognition event, in Washington, D.C. The event convenes practitioners, policymakers, and professionals who are setting the national agenda for Latino, and all, student success in higher education. This year, Excelencia in Education also recognizes 12 Programs to Watch from eight states. These programs were identified because of their promising efforts already making a positive impact on Latino, and all, student success while building their evidence of effectiveness. The 2024 Examples of Excelencia finalists are: ASSOCIATE LEVEL: Community Health Worker from the Richard J. Daley College and the Arturo Velasquez Institute – Chicago, IL English for Academic Purposes from Reading Area Community College – Reading, PA NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars (NCAS) from Cerritos College – Norwalk, CA Pathway to Law School from Santa Ana College – Santa Ana, CA The Village from Cerritos College – Norwalk, CA The Writing Center from Santa Barbara City College – Santa Barbara, CA BACCALAUREATE LEVEL: College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) Scholars Project from Arizona State University – Tempe, AZ Pedagogical Interest Groups (PIGs) from Indiana University Northwest – Gary, IN The College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) from Washington State University – Pullman, WA Upward Bound from California State University, San Bernardino – San Bernardino, CA GRADUATE LEVEL: Master of Science in Higher Education (MSHE) from California State University, Fullerton – Fullerton, CA Master of Arts in Multilingual and Multicultural Studies from Texas Woman’s University – Denton, TX Project upGRADS from California State University, Fullerton – Fullerton, CA COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS: College Bound / College Success from Foundation for a College Education – East Palo Alto, CA LEAF College Success Program from Latino Education Advancement Foundation – San Jose, CA Career Pathways: Empowering Students to Succeed from The Immokalee Foundation, Inc. – Immokalee, FL Thrive Scholars 6-Year Program from Thrive Scholars – Los Angeles, CA Enhancing Career Pathways for Latinos in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) from Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (VIDA) – Mercedes, TX Learn more about the 2024 finalists for the Examples of Excelencia : EdExcelencia.org/what-works-examples-excelencia/examples-excelencia-finalists 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

Tomás Morales is President of California State University-San Bernardino and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page California State University-San Bernardino Tomás Morales President Institution website: https://www.csusb.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.csusb.edu/presidents-office Tomás Morales is President of California State University-San Bernardino and part of Excelencia in Action network. Seal of Excelencia Certified Institution: 2024-2027 California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) is a regional comprehensive university located in one of California’s fastest growing and diverse areas. CSUSB’s diverse student body is 71% Latino, 79% first-generation, and 56% Pell recipients. With 90% of the undergraduates residing in the local counties of San Bernardino and Riverside, CSUSB is dedicated to defining the future for its Latino students and communities.

James W. Crawford is President of Texas Southern University and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Texas Southern University James W. Crawford President Institution website: https://www.tsu.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.tsu.edu/about/office-of-the-president/ James W. Crawford is President of Texas Southern University and part of Excelencia in Action network.

This brief identifies top institutions graduating and preparing Latinos for education careers, highlighting evidence-based practices increasing their success. < Back Finding Your Workforce: Latino Talent in Education Excelencia in Education March 2024 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview For 20 years, Excelencia in Education has served its mission to accelerate Latino student success while increasing all student success in higher education in order to address the country’s need for a highly educated workforce and civic leadership. Finding Your Workforce: Latino Talent in Education represents the latest extension of Excelencia’s hallmark work of bringing national attention to higher education institutions and practices advancing Latino talent, strengthening our economy, and ensuring America’s future. Latinos are shaping the nation’s population–inside and outside of the classroom. Occupations in education disciplines are projected to increase in the next decade. While Latinos have increased their representation in education related occupations, they are more likely to be in education occupations with lower salaries. This brief is Excelencia’s roadmap for both employers and institutions to take action to ensure America’s future by advancing Latino talent in education. The top institutions awarding credentials to Latinos at each level in education are: Miami Regional University in Florida (Certificate) South Texas College in Texas (Associate) Florida International University in Florida (Baccalaureate) Grand Canyon University in Arizona (Master’s) Nova Southeastern University in Florida (Doctorate) Strategies for institutions and employers to link Latino graduates to the workforce include: Invest in high-wage, high-demand career pathways by developing stackable credentials in collaboration with employers and funding short-term career programs. Provide transition services between completion and employment or graduate school, including financial and mental health support. Connect the Latino talent pipeline to employers by recruiting graduates for internal employment opportunities and leveraging partnerships with employers. Suggested Citation: Santiago, D., Labandera, E., Arroyo, C., & Nour, S.R. (February 2024). Finding Your Workforce: Latino Talent in Education . Washington, D.C.: Excelencia in Education. Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

John Keenan is President of Salem State University and a President for Latino Student Success. < Back to E-Action Main Page Salem State University John Keenan President Institution website: https://www.salemstate.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.salemstate.edu/salem-state-difference/presidents-office/john-d-keenan-biography John Keenan is President of Salem State University and part of Excelencia in Action network.

< Back to News Page Business and Education Trailblazers Chosen to Lead Board of National Nonprofit Accelerating Latino Student Success While Increasing All Student Success Feb 11, 2025 Contact: Media@EdExcelencia.org DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE Results Focused Leaders in Education, Industry, and Policy Advance the Talents of the Latino Community on Excelencia in Education’s Board of Directors WASHINGTON, D.C. ( February 11 , 202 5 ) – Excelencia in Education, the nation’s leading organization focused on accelerating Latino student success, while increasing all student success in higher education, announce d today two respected change agents in business and higher education will lead its board of directors in 2025. With decades of combined experience in postsecondary education, the private sector, and policy, the full 10-member board will contribute their expertise and vision as Excelencia continues to increase Latinos’ degree attainment through 2030. “ Excelencia remains steadfast in growing Latino excellence through higher education,” said Sarita Brown, co-founder and president of Excelencia . “We are honored our chair, vice chair, and the full board keep Excelencia at the forefront in shaping the national agenda for expanding Latino talent for the workforce and civic leadership. By informing, catalyzing, and highlighting the colleges and universities that intentionally serve Latino, and all, students, Excelencia serves our country.” The leaders of Excelencia’s board of directors in 2025 are: Board Chair: Massey Villarreal , chief executive officer and president of Precision Task Group, Inc., is a respected business leader and long-time advocate for the Latino community and higher education. Villarreal is immediate past chairman of the Texas Association of Business (TAB) and serves on the Texas Association of Community College Business Advisory Council, the WWII Museum, and the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) National Council. He was the first person to serve as chairman of a local, state, and national Hispanic chamber, including the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. He has also served on the Texas State University System Board of Regents. Board Vice Chair: Elizabeth Béjar serves as provost, executive vice president, and chief operating officer of Florida International University, one of 46 institutions that has earned the Seal of Excelencia for striving to go beyond enrollment to intentionally SERVE Latino students. Dr. Béjar is a key member of the university’s executive leadership, overseeing an annual budget of approximately $1.4 billion and providing strategic oversight of the institution’s academic and student success portfolio. Her expertise lies in understanding the changing landscape of higher education; working to propel the value proposition of higher education with intentionality and through the lens of student learning and success and research excellence. Dr. Bejar leads critical strategic initiatives, including the development of the university’s 2030 Strategic Plan, along with an implementation plan to further FIU’s mission to curate a meaningful student experience that leads to excellent outcomes. She joined FIU in 2003 and has held several key leadership positions. Since its founding in 2004, Excelencia in Education has improved Latino, and all, students’ higher education achievement through a portfolio linking leadership, data, and evidence-based practices. The organization’s national Excelencia in Action (E-Action) network comprises over 200 college and university presidents and chancellors, representing only 6% of institutions yet enrolling 33% and graduating 35% of Latino students nationwide. Additionally, Excelencia conducts analysis on issues impacting Latino students’ college journeys and promotes evidence-based practices advancing success to inform policy and compel action. “As a business leader, I know Excelencia in Education’s mission to accelerate Latino student success in higher education is essential in keeping America first in the global economy,” said Massey Villarreal, chief executive officer and president of Precision Task Group, Inc ., and chair of Excelencia’s board of directors. “Working with colleges and universities in our national network that intentionally serve Latino, and all, students grows talent that will translate into a skilled workforce and capable leadership.” The other members of the executive committee are: Carlos E. Santiago , past chair, commissioner emeritus of the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education (DHE) Geronimo M. Rodriguez Jr. , secretary/treasurer, former chief advocacy officer at Ascension Texas Sarita E. Brown , co-founder and president of Excelencia in Education The other leaders in Excelencia’s board are: Audrey Dow , partner at Secoya Affect Maria Harper-Marinick , senior fellow at the Aspen Institute Andrés Henríquez , director of STEM education strategy, US Division, at Education Development Center, Inc. Juan Sánchez Muñoz , chancellor of the University of California, Merced Havidán Rodríguez , president of the University at Albany, State University of New York “The leaders on Excelencia’s board bring diverse perspectives and share a commitment to transforming higher education to ensure Latino, and all, students thrive,” said Deborah Santiago, co-founder and CEO of Excelencia . “They are taking responsibility for increasing Latinos’ degree attainment with the understanding that doing so benefits everyone.” Meet the Excelencia in Education Board of Directors : EdExcelencia.org/about/our-people 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

Phillip Sisson is President of Middlesex Community College and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Middlesex Community College Phillip Sisson President Institution website: https://www.middlesex.edu/index.html Bio Page: https://www.middlesex.edu/president/index.html Phillip Sisson is President of Middlesex Community College and part of Excelencia in Action network.