HSI Briefs

This brief examined the program investment of HSIs receiving federal funds under the Title V-DHSI capacity building program within a six-year period and found many of these institutions were investing in efforts linked to improving student success.Read more

The number of institutions that meet the federal definition of an Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) will continue to increase as Latino postsecondary enrollment increases. HSIs were first recognized in federal law in 1994, and first received federal funding in 1995 through the U.S. Department of Education to support improved capacity and academic quality at the institutions. At that time, it was estimated about 135 institutions met the criteria of the HSI definition. In recent analysis conducted by Excelencia in Education, 311 institutions met the basic federal definition of an HSI in 2010-2011.

The number of institutions that met the HSI criteria from 2009-10 to 2010-11 increased. Comparing the 2009-10 and 2010-11 HSI lists side by side showed differences. Some institutions (16) 7 that were HSIs in 2009-10 were no longer HSIs in 2010-11. Other institutions (31) became HSIs for the first time in 2010-11. This comparison showed there are four main reasons for this change.

The purpose of this issue brief is to provide a common definition and methodology for identifying HSIs that will result in better analysis and more accuracy. 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 can play a critical role in enhancing Latino students' access to higher education throughout the United States.

As Latino representation in U.S. higher education grows, a reality check of institutional practices that support Latino students' access, persistence, and graduation is needed. This brief examines financial aid strategies aimed at increasing enrollment, academic success and degree completion at eight Texas Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) located along the U.S.-Mexico border serving low-income communities. These institutions rank among the top institutions, both statewide and nationally, in enrolling and graduating Latino students:

• Texas A&M International University
• The University of Texas at Brownsville
• The University of Texas at El Paso
• The University of Texas Pan American
• Laredo Community College
• Texas Southmost College
• El Paso County Community College District
• South Texas College

Understanding what influences Latino students' financial aid choices and which institutional practices are effective in enrolling, retaining, and graduating Latino students is directly relevant to other institutions that are only beginning to experience growth in the number of their non-traditional students. The findings of this brief are intended to inform the programs and services at institutions with growing Hispanic enrollment, as well as state and federal policymakers addressing the broader growth of Hispanic students throughout higher education.