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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 2023: Compilation Excelencia in Education July 2023 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview For the United States to regain the top ranking in the world for college degree attainment, Latinos will need to earn 6.2 million degrees by 2030. To reach the Latino degree attainment goal by 2030, the United 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. 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 2023 Interactive Map Interact with the data from Excelencia's analysis across the United States, including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. LEARN MORE Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

Gregory Fowler is President of the University of Maryland Global Campus and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page University of Maryland Global Campus Gregory Fowler President Institution website: https://www.umgc.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.umgc.edu/administration/leadership-and-governance/president Gregory Fowler is President of the University of Maryland Global Campus and part of Excelencia in Action network.

Stephen Perez is President of California State University-Chico and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page California State University-Chico Stephen Perez President Institution website: https://www.csuchico.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.csuchico.edu/about/office/president/leadership/steve-perez.shtml Stephen Perez is President of California State University-Chico and part of Excelencia in Action network.

This brief examines the pragmatic choices Latinos make to pay for college and the role institutions play in ensuring a college degree is affordable for Latino, and all, students. < Back How Latinos Pay for College: 2025 National Trends Cassandra Arroyo, Emily Labandera, and Deborah Santiago March 2025 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview Latinos make informed and pragmatic choices to pay for college, and the institutions intentionally serving them are making strides to ensure the price of a college degree is affordable. This brief builds on 20 years of Excelencia in Education’s research on Latino students and college affordability and lessons learned from institutional leadership and students’ experiences. Findings Many Latino students make choices with what they can control as cost-saving measures and rely on various forms of financial aid to make college more affordable. Consider the following choices Latino students make: Work 30 hours or more while enrolled in college. Enroll part-time or “swirl” between colleges to take courses needed. Decide to enroll at more affordable public colleges near where they live. Choose to live with their parents or off-campus. Rely on federal financial aid over other sources of aid. Leverage grant aid more often than loans. Leading institutions make choices with what they can control to make college more affordable. Seal of Excelencia certified institutions implement strategies and practices to help make the cost of a college education more affordable. These efforts help inform what institutions can do to increase access to a college education and financially support Latino, and all, students. Consider the following strategies and practices: Align institutional aid to provide funds to mitigate students’ unexpected financial challenges. Offer paid internships or on-campus employment opportunities so that Latino, and all, students can offset the cost of their degree while simultaneously gaining transferable skills. Provide support services to help their students make informed decisions about their college costs. Contain student costs by offering OER (Open Educational Resources) for courses. Advance full tuition scholarships to students with family incomes at or below a specific financial level. Facilitate and simplify access to aid by managing joint admissions and financial aid applications between two-year and four-year college partners. Intentionally serving Latino, and all, students at scale benefits from knowing and implementing what works to accelerate Latino student success at the state and federal levels based on efforts by policymakers. Learn more about ways states can lead the way and the federal role to support access to high education in this brief. Suggested Citation: Arroyo, C., Labandera, E., & Santiago, D. (March 2025). How Latinos Pay for College: 2025 National Trends. Washington, D.C.: Excelencia in Education. Made possible with generous support from Lumina Foundation Featured Publications Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

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 Wyoming. Latino College Completion - Wyoming 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) 31% Of Latino adults (25 and over) had earned an associate degree or higher VS 43% Of White adults Fast Facts Wyoming had the 42nd largest Latino population in the U.S. Latino Population 15% K-12 Population 11% Total Population 2-Year Graduation Rate 37% Latino Students 46% White Students Median Age 27 Latinos 41 White 4-Year Graduation Rate 38% Latino Students 51% White Students Degree Outcomes At two-year institutions , Hispanics' graduation rate was 9%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Wyoming. At four-year institutions , Hispanics' graduation rate was 13%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Wyoming. 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 Wyoming, 2021-2022 Rank Institutions Sector Grand Total Hispanic Total % Hispanic 1 University of Wyoming Public, 4-year or above 8,700 657 8% 2 Laramie County Community College Public, 4-year or above 2,489 415 17% 3 Western Wyoming Community College Public, 4-year or above 1,394 218 16% 4 Casper College Public, 2-year 2,358 211 9% 5 WyoTech Private for-profit, 2-year 742 139 19% Top Institutions Awarding Associate Degrees to Hispanics in Wyoming, 2020-2021 Rank Institutions Sector Grand Total Hispanic Total % Hispanic 1 Laramie County Community College Public, 4-year or above 497 65 13% 2 Northern Wyoming Community College District Public, 2-year 505 45 9% 3 Casper College Public, 2-year 520 42 8% 4 Western Wyoming Community College Public, 4-year or above 248 36 15% 5 Central Wyoming College Public, 4-year or above 209 25 12% Top Institutions Awarding Bachelor Degrees to Hispanics in Wyoming, 2020-2021 Rank Institutions Sector Grand Total Hispanic Total % Hispanic 1 University of Wyoming Public, 4-year or above 2,120 132 6% 2 - - - - - 3 - - - - - 4 - - - - - 5 - - - - - 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.

Geronimo M. Rodriguez Jr. serves as the Former Chief Advocacy Officer for Ascension Texas, and Excelencia in Education's Board Member. < Back to Our People Page Geronimo M. Rodriguez Jr. Former Chief Advocacy Officer Ascension Texas Geronimo M. Rodriguez Jr. most recently served as Chief Advocacy Officer for Ascension Texas, part of Ascension, one of the leading non-profit and Catholic healthcare systems in the United States. At Ascension Texas, he was responsible for Texas’ Advocacy, Community Investment, Human Trafficking, Hospital Based Violence Intervention, and Medical Response Unit. He is the first person in his family to graduate from high school, college, and law school. Over the past 25 years he has consistently served his community in a variety of capacities, including board service on multiple national, state, and local non-profit organizations focused on board governance, fiduciary, and leadership issues. He currently serves on the St. Edward’s University Board of Trustees, the Austin Community Foundation Board of Governors, and the Hector and Gloria Lopez Foundation Board of Directors. He has held positions in two presidential administrations, serving as Deputy Associate Director and later Acting Associate Director in the White House Office of Presidential Personnel where he was responsible for recommending a third of the President’s senior-level appointments. He was also responsible for advising senior White House staff on appointments affecting the Hispanic community. Additionally, he has served in the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs and in the East Wing Office of Congressional Affairs where he helped in legislative preparations for the Seattle Round of the World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference. He also served in the U.S. Department of Labor as Counsel to the Solicitor, helping oversee U.S. labor and employment laws and Chief of Staff to the Assistant Secretary for Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs.

Donna Hodge is President of Fitchburg State University and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Fitchburg State University Donna Hodge President Institution website: https://www.fitchburgstate.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.fitchburgstate.edu/about/leadership/presidents-office Donna Hodge is President of Fitchburg State University and part of Excelencia in Action network.

Heather Wilson is President of The University of Texas at El Paso and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page The University of Texas at El Paso Heather Wilson President Institution website: https://www.utep.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.utep.edu/about/presidents-bio.html Heather Wilson is President of The University of Texas at El Paso and part of Excelencia in Action network. Seal of Excelencia Intentionally Thriving Institution: 2025-2028 The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), a nationally recognized public research institution, is uniquely located where Texas, New Mexico, and Mexico converge that serves more than 24,000 students with 84% identifying as Hispanic.

< Back to News Page Trendsetting Institutions Earn the Seal of Excelencia for Going Beyond Enrollment to Intentionally Serve Latino, and All, Students Oct 1, 2024 Contact: Media@EdExcelencia.org DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE Excelencia in Education Certifies 17 Colleges and Universities That Detail Efforts to Become Learning Environments Where Latino, and all, Students Thrive WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 1, 2024) – Excelencia in Education announced today 17 colleges and universities have earned the prestigious Seal of Excelencia in 2024. The Seal is a national certification for institutions that strive to go beyond enrollment and more intentionally serve Latino, and all, students. This year marks the organization’s 20th year of service to accelerate Latino student success, while increasing all student success in higher education. In 2018, Excelencia introduced the Seal of Excelencia to certify trendsetting colleges and universities for their efforts to become learning environments where Latino, and all, students thrive. The Seal of Excelencia framework represents a rigorous assessment of certified institutions’ intentionality and impact in improving outcomes such as retention, financial support, and degree completion for Latino students by aligning efforts across data, practice, and leadership. Seal certification remains valid for three years, after which institutions have the opportunity to recertify progress. Higher education, business, philanthropy, and government leaders in Excelencia’s community of common cause convened in Washington, D.C., for the announcement of eight institutions that earned the Seal of Excelencia for the first time and nine that earned recertification. It was part of the organization’s National Policy Forum, focused on advancing policies to accelerate Latinos’ degree attainment while all groups increase and strengthen our country’s civic leadership and workforce. These 17 Seal-certified institutions exemplify the kinds of programs and practices that inform good policy. “The colleges and universities that earn the Seal of Excelencia lead the charge in meeting our nation’s degree attainment goals,” said Deborah Santiago, co-founder and CEO of Excelencia in Education. “They demonstrate commitment to Latino student success through impact and ongoing self-assessment.” This year’s cohort of newly certified and recertified institutions belongs to a community of 46 colleges and universities that have earned the Seal. Together, they represent less than 1% of all institutions but enroll 17% and graduate 19% of all Latino students nationwide. The eight newly certified Seal of Excelencia institutions are: California State University, East Bay (CA) California State University, San Bernardino (CA) California State University San Marcos (CA) Cerritos College (CA) Hartnell College (CA) Pima Community College (AZ) San Francisco State University (CA) Sul Ross State University (TX) The nine recertified Seal of Excelencia institutions are: California State University, Fresno (CA) California State University, Fullerton (CA) Miami Dade College (FL) San Diego State University (CA) The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (TX) University of California, Merced (CA) University of California, Riverside (CA) University of Central Florida (FL) Wilbur Wright College (IL) “Today, we’re moving toward opportunity and success for more of our Latino students,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, “That’s thanks to the leadership and staff at Excelencia in Education. For twenty years, you’ve shown that when we do the hard work, when we’re relentless in our care for the seed of an idea, we can and will grow success for Latino students in higher education. Congratulations to all of the honorees – I really cannot wait to see where we’ll go together next.” Institutions in Excelencia’s national network of Presidents for Excelencia in Action (E-Action) network have committed to becoming learning environments where Latino, and all, students thrive, and are eligible to apply for the Seal. To earn the Seal of Excelencia , they must demonstrate: An intentional, institutional focus on advancing Latino student success by aligning data and practice; Deliberate and ongoing assessment to identify and implement strategies that improve Latino student achievement; Leadership commitment to continue transforming into an environment where Latino students thrive; and, A long-term and unwavering commitment to intentionally SERVE Latino, and all, students. “Students and families as well as leaders in philanthropy, business, and government look to colleges and universities that earned the Seal of Excelencia when making their institutional choices,” said Sarita Brown, co-founder and president of Excelencia in Education. “ Excelencia is proud to partner with institutions ensuring America’s bright future by advancing the talents of the Latino community.” Learn more about the institutions that earned the Seal of Excelencia certification and recertification this year: EdExcelencia.org/seal-excelencia/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. For more information, visit: EdExcelencia.org

Jeanette M. Nuñez is President of Florida International University and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Florida International University Jeanette M. Nuñez President Institution website: https://www.fiu.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.fiu.edu/ Jeanette M. Nuñez is President of Florida International University and part of Excelencia in Action network. Seal of Excelencia Intentionally Thriving Institution: 2025-2028 FIU, an urban, multi-campus public university in South Florida, serves nearly 40,000 students, of which 68% are Latino. A Carnegie Research 1 and nationally leading Hispanic-Serving Institution, FIU uses data, practice, and leadership for strategic decision-making and resource allocation.

Daniel López is President of City Colleges of Chicago-Harold Washington College and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page City Colleges of Chicago-Harold Washington College Daniel López President Institution website: https://www.ccc.edu/washington/home/ Bio Page: https://www.ccc.edu/washington/menu/leadership/ Daniel López is President of City Colleges of Chicago-Harold Washington College and part of Excelencia in Action network.

Latinos will need to earn 6.2 million degrees by 2030 to reach the U.S. degree attainment goal. Learn about Latino College Completion in West Virginia. Latino College Completion - West Virginia 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) 34% Of Latino adults (25 and over) had earned an associate degree or higher VS 32% Of White adults Fast Facts West Virginia had the 48th largest Latino population in the U.S. Latino Population 3% K-12 Population 2% Total Population 2-Year Graduation Rate 47% Latino Students 36% White Students Median Age 27 Latinos 44 White 4-Year Graduation Rate 41% Latino Students 53% White Students Degree Outcomes At two-year institutions , Hispanics' graduation rate was 11%-points higher than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in West Virginia. At four-year institutions , Hispanics' graduation rate was 12%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in West Virginia. 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 West Virginia, 2021-2022 Rank Institutions Sector Grand Total Hispanic Total % Hispanic 1 American Public University System Private for-profit, 4-year or above 37,245 6,407 17% 2 West Virginia University Public, 4-year or above 18,878 792 4% 3 Martinsburg College Private for-profit, 2-year 2,061 327 16% 4 Shepherd University Public, 4-year or above 2,299 173 8% 5 Marshall University Public, 4-year or above 7,175 169 2% Top Institutions Awarding Associate Degrees to Hispanics in West Virginia, 2020-2021 Rank Institutions Sector Grand Total Hispanic Total % Hispanic 1 American Public University System Private for-profit, 4-year or above 3,409 585 17% 2 Blue Ridge Community and Technical College Public, 2-year 347 25 7% 3 BridgeValley Community & Technical College Public, 2-year 319 7 2% 4 Martinsburg College Private for-profit, 2-year 51 5 10% 5 Salem University Private for-profit, 4-year or above 71 5 7% Top Institutions Awarding Bachelor Degrees to Hispanics in West Virginia, 2020-2021 Rank Institutions Sector Grand Total Hispanic Total % Hispanic 1 American Public University System Private for-profit, 4-year or above 7,002 897 13% 2 West Virginia University Public, 4-year or above 4,396 167 4% 3 Marshall University Public, 4-year or above 1,440 35 2% 4 University of Charleston Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above 588 33 6% 5 Shepherd University Public, 4-year or above 556 29 5% 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.