Hispanic-serving institutions, or HSIs, are institutions that participate in a federal program designed to assist colleges or universities in the United States that attempt to assist first generation, majority low income Hispanic students. There are over 250 schools that have been designated as an HSI.
They are accredited and degree-granting public and private colleges and universities where at least 25 percent of total undergraduate students are Latino. Hispanic-serving institutions also have resources that helps to tackle challenges facing Latinos, such as the opportunity to take classes online or at night, greatly lacking resources and preparation or being constrained by family responsibilities and pressures.
However, there are some factors to consider if interested in attending a Hispanic-serving institution.
Financial Aid: Most schools that offer Hispanic-serving are actually public colleges and universities, hence, they may or may not have a monetary endowment. This means that most of the student’s financial aid may come from the federal or state government and not the college alone.
Language: At some Hispanic-serving institutions, it may be common to hear Spanish spoken on campus. Institutions that use this to encourage a climate of being receptive to diversity.
Cultural Programs: Potential students can ask about the school’s cultural programs to know how much the Hispanic-serving institution embraces the Latino culture. They should also ask if Hispanic students have participation and leadership opportunities, campus clubs and how the college’s town embraces the Hispanic heritage.
Faculty: Some colleges may have Hispanic faculty. Some colleges and universities may have faculty from diverse backgrounds who can help students receive support from professors and administrators who in most cases come from a similar background.
There are many things students should consider in choosing which college to attend. A Hispanic-serving Institution, may or may not meet individual student’s needs. Students should lookout for a college and university that is a good fit for them as this is essential to getting the best education possible.
You can find a complete directory list of Hispanic-serving institutions, or HSIs, are institutions that participate in a federal program designed to assist colleges or universities in the United States that attempt to assist first generation, majority low income Hispanic students.
In 1986, The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) was established with an initial eighteen institutions, with the goal to provide leadership on behalf of the nation’s youngest and fastest-growing population.