How have the number and location of Hispanic-Serving Institutions and eHSIs changed over time? Learn more about the evolution of HSIs with Excelencia's StoryMap. < Back Evolution of HSIs: Interactive StoryMap Excelencia in Education March 2024 DOWNLOADS/LINKS StoryMap on HSIs SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview How have the number and location of HSIs and eHSIs changed over time? Learn more about the evolution of HSIs through Excelencia’s HSI StoryMap. CLICK HERE to Explore Excelencia's interactive StoryMap on HSIs. Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

< Back to News Page More Latino Students Apply for Financial Aid to Access College, Yet They Receive the Lowest Average Awards Mar 27, 2025 Contact: Media@EdExcelencia.org DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE Excelencia in Education Brief Highlights How Latinos Pay for College and Trendsetting Institutions Making Degrees More Affordable WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 27, 2025) – Excelencia in Education, the premier authority on accelerating Latino student success in higher education, released today a brief detailing how Latinos use financial aid to pay for college and ways that institutions intentionally serving them ensure a degree is affordable. The brief shows Latinos are more likely to apply for and receive financial aid than other groups, yet they receive the lowest average amount of aid. It then identifies concrete examples of how institutions financially support Latino, and all, students, including institutional aid, paid internships/on-campus employment, and robust advising services. The brief, “ How Latinos Pay for College: 2025 National Trends , ” comes in the wake of executive actions that are impacting higher education broadly, including financial aid. It reveals that 85% of Latino students applied for and 71% received financial aid, according to the most recent data from the National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS) in 2019-20. This represents the largest proportion of financial aid participation among any group except for African American students. Latinos are also more than twice as likely to receive grants (67%) than loans (27%) to pay for college. Despite demonstrating high financial need, Latinos received the lowest average amount of aid — just over $11,000, compared to almost $13,000 for all students. This is explained in part by Latinos’ pragmatic choices to access college despite a complicated financial aid system. Latino students who attended less costly community colleges (40%), worked 30+ hours per week (56%), enrolled exclusively part-time (28%), or chose to live off-campus and/or with their parents (89%) were less likely to receive federal financial aid, the most important source of aid for them to pay for college. “As the youngest, fastest-growing population in the U.S., Latinos’ increasing representation in colleges and universities provides unique opportunities for social mobility and economic growth,” said Deborah Santiago, co-founder and CEO of Excelencia . “Financial aid is critical to supporting Latino, and all, students’ access to higher education. Our brief makes this clear and informs what institutions and policymakers can do to make financial aid more effective for our students and ensure access to quality, affordable education.” In addition to detailing how Latinos finance their education, the brief identifies six practices increasing access and financially supporting Latino, and all, students at trendsetting colleges and universities that have earned the Seal of Excelencia — a national certification for institutions that strive to go beyond enrollment to intentionally serve Latinos: Align institutional aid to provide funds to mitigate students’ unexpected financial challenges. Offer paid internships or on-campus employment opportunities so that Latino students can offset the cost of their degree while simultaneously gaining transferable skills. Provide support services to help 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. Findings from the brief inform Excelencia’s policy recommendations for college affordability. At the federal level, recommendations include making basic needs a part of financial aid calculations and prioritizing Pell Grants. At the state level, recommendations include investing in guaranteed tuition plans by family income and mandating FAFSA completion. “How Latinos Pay for College: 2025 National Trends” was made possible with support from Lumina Foundation. Access the full brief: EdExcelencia.org/research/publications/how-latinos-pay-for-college-2025-national-trends About Excelencia in Education Launched in 2004 in the nation’s capital, Excelencia in Education leads a national network of results-oriented educators and policymakers 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 accelerates Latino student success in higher education by promoting Latino student achievement, informing educational policies with a Latino lens, and advancing evidence-based practices. For more information, visit: EdExcelencia.org

This brief examines Emerging Hispanic-Serving Institutions (eHSIs), which do not yet meet the HSI enrollment threshold but have potential to become HSIs soon. < Back Emerging Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs): Serving Latino Students Deborah A. Santiago January 2010 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication Executive Summary SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview This brief examines Emerging Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) -- institutions that do not yet meet the HSI enrollment threshold of 25 percent, but which are within the critical mass range of 15-24 percent and have the potential to become HSIs in the next few years. The brief integrates national data with data from a web-based survey and four case studies to examine Emerging HSIs' awareness of Latinos as a definable group on their campus, as well as changes in institutional practices to better serve their Latino students. The four Emerging HSIs studied in this brief include: Loyola Marymount University (CA) Palm Beach Community College-Lake Worth (FL) Texas State University-San Marcos (TX) Metropolitan State College of Denver (CO) Emerging Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs): Serving Latino Students was made possible through a TG Public Benefit Program grant. Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

Launched in 2004 in the nation’s capital, Excelencia in Education leads a national network of results-oriented educators and policymakers 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 accelerates Latino student success in higher education by promoting Latino student achievement, informing educational policies with a Latino lens, and advancing evidence-based practices. Excelencia in Education accelerates Latino student success, enhancing our workforce, leadership, and economy. LEARN MORE GWW Database Research Publications Policy Agenda Technical Assistance Events Ensuring America’s Future: Latino College Completion 2023 Increasing Latino college completion is key to future prosperity Excelencia’s in Education remains committed to Ensuring America’s Future by increasing Latino college completion. Excelencia’s most recent analysis of public data on enrollment, degree completion, and degree attainment shows that degree completion gaps have increased between Latino students and their White peers. To close the gap in degree completion, the United States requires a tactical plan to reach the Latino degree attainment goal of 6.2 million degrees earned by 2030. This plan must include strategies to help Latinos accelerate degree completion while supporting increased attainment for all students. LEARN MORE Our Tactical Plan for Latino Student Success How does Excelencia advance Latino student success in higher education? Inform Excelencia uses a Latino lens to inform and compel action to serve Latino students. LEARN MORE Promote Excelencia brings attention to what works to improve Latino student success. LEARN MORE Organize Excelencia organizes leaders with a common cause of accelerating Latino student success. LEARN MORE Advocate Excelencia advocates for action and investment that intentionally serves Latino students. LEARN MORE Seal of Excelencia Certified Institutions In 2024, eight institutions earned the Seal of Excelencia and nine earned recertification. These 17 institutions belong to a community of 46 trendsetting colleges and universities that have earned the Seal by demonstrating intentionality and impact in SERVING Latino students through data, practice, and leadership. They are ensuring America’s future by advancing the talents of the Latino community. LEARN MORE How Latinos Pay for College: 2025 National Trends This brief builds on 20 years of Excelencia in Education’s research on Latino students and college affordability, as well as lessons learned from institutional leadership and students’ experiences. It provides timely information about two components of college affordability: How Latino students are taking cost-saving measures and using financial aid to pay for college. How a group of trendsetting institutions is financially supporting Latino, and all, students. LEARN MORE 2024 Examples of Excelencia Explore the work done by programs implementing intentional evidence-based practices to increase Latino student success: English for Academic Purposes , Reading Area Community College (PA) - Associate Level College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP , Washington State University (WA) - Baccalaureate Level Project upGRADS , California State University, Fullerton (CA) - Graduate Level Career Pathways: Empowering Students to Succeed , The Immokalee Foundation, Inc. (FL) - CBO Level Visit What Works to learn about Examples of Excelencia and engage with programs making a positive difference. LEARN MORE HSI Lists: 2022-23 What is included in Excelencia’s release and how can I learn more using this analysis? 600 HSIs Hispanic-Serving Institutions LEARN MORE 412 eHSIs Emerging Hispanic-Serving Institutions LEARN MORE 252 gHSIs Hispanic-Serving Institutions with Graduate Programs LEARN MORE Factbook Learn more from Excelencia’s summary of HSIs, eHSIs, and gHSIs in the HSIs Factbook . LEARN MORE Dashboard Explore the 2022-23 data on HSIs in Excelencia’s new HSI interactive dashboard. LEARN MORE Infographic Visualize fast facts with Excelencia’s 2022-23 HSIs Infographic . LEARN MORE StoryMap Learn more about the evolution of HSIs through Excelencia’s HSI StoryMap. LEARN MORE Latest from Excelencia Stay informed with the latest research and analysis from Excelencia . Expand Your Knowledge with Excelencia How does intentionally SERVING Latino students benefit our society? Latinos are a young, fast-growing population, yet degree completion gaps have increased between Latinos and their White peers. Excelencia’s analysis shows that closing the gap in degree completion by accelerating Latino student success will strengthen America’s workforce and civic leadership. See Our Analysis How can we inform educational practice and policy to facilitate positive change on behalf of Latino students? Excelencia’s research provides a basis of information on the status of Latino students in higher education from which to compel positive action by institutional leaders and measure progress toward accelerating Latino student success. From Latino enrollment and workforce participation, to how Latino students pay for college, to mapping Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) , this research informs and compels action. Explore Our Interactive Dashboard What works to improve Latino degree attainment and how can we expand these practices? In 2005, we initiated Examples of Excelencia — the only national effort to recognize and promote evidence-based practices promoting Latino student success. We have celebrated over 350 programs making a difference, all of which are featured in our Growing What Works Database. Explore Our Database How does Excelencia catalyze institutional transformation that produces meaningful results for Latino students? In addition to building our action-oriented network of Presidents for Latino Student Success , our technical assistance opportunities and Seal of Excelencia certification support and reinforce institutional capacity to intentionally SERVE Latino students using comprehensive strategies that align data, practice, and leadership. Discover the Seal What are Excelencia’s policy priorities for supporting Latino student success in higher education? Excelencia focuses on four policy priorities: affordability, institutional capacity, retention, and workforce preparation for closing gaps in degree attainment and increasing educational and economic opportunity for Latino and post-traditional students in higher education. Review Our Policy Agenda

Stay informed with the latest from Excelencia as we continue to apply a Latino lens to critical issues in higher education. NEWS Latest News Excelencia in Education analysis, efforts, and experts are featured in hundreds of media outlets every year, from NBC News, The New York Times, and The Washington Post, to Diverse: Issues in Higher Education, Inside Higher Ed, and The Chronicle of Higher Education. Stay informed with the latest from Excelencia as we continue to apply a Latino lens to critical issues in higher education. Media Inquiries To cover Excelencia analysis and efforts, or to get in touch with one of our experts for an interview, please contact: Media@EdExcelencia.org March 27, 2025 More Latino Students Apply for Financial Aid to Access College, Yet They Receive the Lowest Average Awards Read More February 11, 2025 Business and Education Trailblazers Chosen to Lead Board of National Nonprofit Accelerating Latino Student Success Read More December 17, 2024 National Nonprofit Unveils Direct Impact Fund for Donors Committed to Latino Student Success Nationwide Read More October 1, 2024 Trendsetting Institutions Earn the Seal of Excelencia for Going Beyond Enrollment to Intentionally Serve Latino, and All, Students Read More 1 2 3 1 ... 1 2 3 ... 3 Communications Resources Referring to Excelencia in Education Excelencia in Education’s name is intentionally bilingual, reflecting our commitment to Latino students, quality education, and the asset base available to the U.S. by supporting Latinos’ excellence in education. Please italicize “Excelencia ” in all references to the organization and relevant efforts (e.g., “Seal of Excelencia ”). Our Logo We trademarked Excelencia’s logo in 2024. Please access high-resolution versions of Excelencia’s logo by contacting: Media@EdExcelencia.org Our Boilerplate Launched in 2004 in the nation’s capital, Excelencia in Education leads a national network of results-oriented educators and policymakers 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 accelerates Latino student success in higher education by promoting Latino student achievement, informing educational policies with a Latino lens, and advancing evidence-based practices. For more information, visit: EdExcelencia.org Our Social Media Excelencia is active on the following social media platforms: LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/company/excelencia-in-education Facebook: Facebook.com/EdExcelencia Instagram: @excelencia_in_education Medium: ExcelenciainEducation.medium.com YouTube: ExcelenciaEducation X: @EdExcelencia Hashtags to follow: #LatinoStudentSuccess #Presidents4Latinos #ExcelenciaSeal #GrowingExamples #HigherEd

Analysis highlights policy efforts that may help, hinder, or need reexamining to close college completion equity gaps for Latinos in California, Colorado, and Texas. < Back Helping or Hindering? State Policies & Latino College Completion Deborah A. Santiago ; Emily Calderón Galdeano March 2015 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Summary for Discussion SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview With support from the Ford Foundation , Excelencia in Education conducted data analysis and preliminary policy audits in 3 key states--California, Colorado and Texas-- to consider existing state policies most obviously connected to equity and Latino college completion. The result is a high level review of state policies that may be helping, hindering, or warrant reconsideration to improve Latino student success in higher education. DOWNLOAD REPORT BELOW The brief profiles Latino and other post-traditional students in the three states, expands the consideration of public policy from national to state governance levels and links to Excelencia in Education’s national initiative, Ensuring America's Future by Increasing Latino College Completion . Partners in the selected states include The Campaign for College Opportunity (CA), Metropolitan State University of Denver and the Colorado Coalition for the Educational Advancement of Latinos (CoCEAL) (CO), and Educate Texas (TX). CONGRESSIONAL LEADERSHIP WEIGHS IN “The future of our country hinges on the success of the Latino community. Latino students deserve a quality education – from the early learning stages all the way to the higher education years. In order to close the equity gap, it is critically important that policies address the needs of Latino youth.” - Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chairwoman Linda Sánchez (CA 38th District) "It is vital that we continue to focus on bridging the achievement gap for Latinos in higher education. As policymakers, we have the ability and responsibility to help more students succeed and we must take seriously the recommendations made in this report." - Representative Loretta Sanchez (CA 46th District) "Excelencia in Education’s findings underscore the importance of closing the achievement gap. For far too long, minority students have gotten the short end of the stick. If we are to truly give minority students the opportunity of a quality education, we must advocate for and implement some of the policy recommendations laid out in this audit. Only then, will we begin to fix our education system." - Representative Mark Takano (CA 41st District) "Colorado knows all too well the persistent achievement gap that exists between white students and their Latino peers. We must narrow this gap by examining our education policies and identifying which ones are actually improving Latino student success rates, and which ones aren’t. Excelencia in Education’s state audit is an important step in achieving these goals." - Representative Jared Polis (CO 2nd District) "For the sake of our nation’s future, policies at every level of government should aim to close the equity gap and support, not impede, all young people’s access to a higher education. Young Latinos like all students in America, should have the opportunity to attend and graduate college. Earning a higher education makes it possible for folks to find a good job and achieve their dreams." - Representative Joaquin Castro (TX 20th District) Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

Policy should address degree completion gaps by strengthening institutions' capacity to improve Latino student access to and completion of postsecondary credentials. < Back Excelencia’s Policy Agenda: Institutional Capacity Excelencia in Education May 2024 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview Institutions enrolling Latino students are critical to Excelencia in Education’s mission of accelerating Latino student success, including Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). HSIs disproportionately educate the majority of Latino students across the nation–while only 20 percent of higher education institutions are HSIs, they enroll 63 percent of all Latino undergraduates. Institutions, including HSIs, serving students with the highest financial need are often some of the most under-resourced. The recent economic recession has made clearer the gaps that exist for Latino students and the institutions that enroll them. Policymakers should focus on addressing gaps in degree completion by strengthening the capacity of institutions to improve Latino students’ access to, and completion of, a quality postsecondary credential. What can be done to support institutions’ capacity-building efforts? HSIs enroll the majority of Latino students, yet are generally low-resourced and underfunded. The following recommendations would improve these institutions’ capacity to serve Latino students: Count every student instead of using full-time equivalent (FTE) to determine eligibility for funding, and significantly increase financial support to institutions serving high numbers of students with financial need. Provide guaranteed funding to all HSIs who meet the eligibility requirements for Title V grants. Refocus and limit the allowable activities for Title III and V grants to better align with Latino student success. Improve information about federal investment in HSIs by increasing transparency around grant outcomes. Featured Publications Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

Policymakers should simplify for students the navigation of financial aid systems and provide additional funding to programs that support Latino student success. < Back Excelencia’s Policy Agenda: Affordability Excelencia in Education May 2024 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview Excelencia’s analysis has made clear that college is not affordable for many Latino students. These students often adjust their attendance patterns to leverage financial aid insufficient to their needs. Additionally, recent economic challenges have disproportionately impacted Latinos’ incomes, making it harder to afford a postsecondary education. Policymakers should simplify for students the navigation of financial aid systems and provide additional funding to programs that support Latino student success. How can policy help Latinos afford a degree? Many Latino students adjust their attendance patterns to fit into a financial aid system not built for them. Recent economic challenges continue to make it harder to pay for college. The following would serve students broadly and would disproportionately benefit Latino students: Reduce unmet financial need to pay for college by including basic needs in financial aid calculations. Double the Pell Grant and make it a fully mandatory program. Incentivize FAFSA completion to increase access to financial aid. Revise the Federal Work-Study distribution formula to more strategically support students with high financial need, reduce administrative burdens to program participation, and increase funding for the program. Featured Publications Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

< 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 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 students. This year marks the organization’s 20th year of service to accelerate Latino 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 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 Latino Student Success (P4LSS) 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 Launched in 2004 in the nation’s capital, Excelencia in Education leads a national network of results-oriented educators and policymakers 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 accelerates Latino student success in higher education by promoting Latino student achievement, informing educational policies with a Latino lens, and advancing evidence-based practices. In 2024, Excelencia marks 20 years of commitment to Latino student success. For more information, visit: EdExcelencia.org

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< Back to News Page Four Higher Education Programs Recognized for Their Exemplary Work in Advancing Latino Student Success Sep 30, 2024 Contact: Media@EdExcelencia.org DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE Excelencia in Education Recognizes the 2024 Examples of Excelencia, Amplifying Evidence-Based Practices That Work for Latino, and All, Students WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 30, 2024) – In our 20th year identifying and promoting what works for Latino students in higher education, Excelencia in Education announced today four programs recognized as the 2024 Examples of Excelencia . These programs exemplify what is possible when higher education institutions and community-based organizations intentionally serve Latino students on their journey to and through college. The 2024 Examples are addressing academic barriers, creating a sense of belonging, increasing affordability, providing experiential learning opportunities, and investing in wrap-around services that improve higher education outcomes. Each year, four Examples of Excelencia are selected from the associate, baccalaureate, graduate, and community-based organization levels for their intentionality and evidence of effectiveness in increasing Latino student success. The 2024 Examples emerged from 345 nominations from 40 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, 103 program submissions, and 18 finalists. The 2024 Examples of Excelencia are: English for Academic Purposes , Reading Area Community College – Reading, PA (Associate Level) The College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) , Washington State University – Pullman, WA (Baccalaureate Level) Project upGRADS , California State University, Fullerton – Fullerton, CA (Graduate Level) Career Pathways: Empowering Students to Succeed , The Immokalee Foundation, Inc. – Immokalee, FL (Community-Based Organization Level) “We must make a positive difference in the lives of our college students who trust us to help them meet their education goals. The 2024 Examples of Excelencia are proof there is good work implemented around the country," said Adriana Rodriguez, COO and vice president for institutional programs at Excelencia in Education. “These programs model what other institutions and organizations can implement in their own communities.” Examples of Excelencia is the only national, data-driven effort to identify, aggregate, and promote evidence-based practices increasing Latino student success 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 students across the country. A committee of diverse higher education leaders selected the 2024 Examples of Excelencia to showcase innovative programming and proven practices that support Latino and other post-traditional students academically, financially, and socially. These programs serve as replicable models of cultural responsiveness that lead to credit and degree completion, which in turn supports Latino families and communities to ensure America’s future. Programs selected annually as Examples of Excelencia and finalists are featured online in Excelencia’s Growing What Works Database — the only national, searchable database for institutional leaders, funders, policymakers, and others interested in evidence-based programming for Latino students. This year’s Examples of Excelencia will be honored at the organization’s annual Celebración de Excelencia in Washington, D.C. Learn more about the 2024 Examples of Excelencia : https://www.edexcelencia.org/what-works/examples-excelencia/annual-examples-excelencia About Excelencia in Education Launched in 2004 in the nation’s capital, Excelencia in Education leads a national network of results-oriented educators and policymakers 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 accelerates Latino student success in higher education by promoting Latino student achievement, informing educational policies with a Latino lens, and advancing evidence-based practices. In 2024, Excelencia marks 20 years of commitment to Latino student success. For more information, visit: EdExcelencia.org

< Back to News Page Excelencia in Education Releases Comprehensive New Profile of Latino Students in Higher Education Apr 9, 2024 Contact: Media@EdExcelencia.org DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE Timely Analysis Provides a Touchstone to Better Understand and Serve One of the Fastest Growing College-Age Populations WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 9, 2024) – Excelencia in Education announces today the release of a comprehensive new profile of Latino students — one of the fastest growing populations in higher education — and institutions where they enroll in order to inform policy and mobilize action that ensures they are served well. It shows Latinos represent the majority of growth in the number of degrees earned nationwide, despite their lower degree attainment compared to all students. The analysis, “ Latinos in Higher Education: 2024 Compilation of Fast Facts ,” demonstrates Latinos account for 79% of the 4% overall increase in the number of degrees earned over the last five years. Latinos have made significant gains in degree completion, but only 27% of Latinos had earned an associate degree or higher in 2021-22, compared to 44% of all people. Latinos continue to be underrepresented across degree levels. “For 20 years, Excelencia has led the way with analysis and actionable efforts to accelerate Latino student success in higher education,” said Deborah Santiago, co-founder and CEO of Excelencia . “Our new compilation of fact sheets builds on these efforts, sets the stage for national policy discussions, and equips institutions to more intentionally serve the growing number of Latino students on their campuses while increasing success for all.” In addition to providing a comprehensive profile of Latino students, institutions that serve them, and the opportunities they face, the analysis informs Excelencia’s four policy priorities: affordability, institutional capacity, retention, and transfer. Key findings from the analysis include: Latinos are far more likely to be first-generation college students. Half of Latinos (51%) were first-generation college students, compared to African Americans (38%), Asians (30%), and Whites (22%). Latinos are more likely to receive the federal Pell Grant. In 2019-20, about half of Latino students (49%) received a Pell Grant, awarded to students displaying exceptional financial need. Only 26% of Latinos accepted federal student loans, fewer than any group except Asians (25%). Latinos have the highest labor force participation rate. Two-thirds of Latinos (66%) participated in the labor force in 2022. However, Latinos are overrepresented in lower paying occupations, with 34% in manual labor roles. Institutions serving Latinos are predominantly Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). 600 HSIs represent 20% of all colleges and universities yet educate 63% of Latino students. Seal of Excelencia certified institutions graduate Latinos at a higher rate than institutions nationally . Institutions with the Seal — a national certification for intentionally serving Latino students — represented less than 1% of colleges and universities yet enrolled 15% and graduated 17% of Latino students. Excelencia in Education works with a national network of institutions committed to knowing and intentionally serving Latino, and all, students so they thrive on their campuses. “Increasing the number of Latinos that earn degrees is essential to meeting our country’s workforce and civic leadership needs,” said Sarita Brown, co-founder and president of Excelencia . “We are proud to make common cause with institutional leaders who choose to be part of our national network committed to accelerating Latino student success in higher education. Together, they are ensuring America’s bright future with the talents of Latinos.” “Latinos in Higher Education: 2024 Compilation of Fast Facts” benefited from the support and public leadership of 24 colleges and universities that have earned the Seal of Excelencia : Arizona State University Austin Community College District California State University Channel Islands California State University, Fresno California State University, Fullerton California State University, Long Beach California State University, Northridge City Colleges of Chicago, Richard J. Daley College City Colleges of Chicago, Wilbur Wright College El Paso Community College Florida International University Grand Valley State University Long Beach City College Mercy University Miami Dade College San Antonio College South Texas College St. Edward’s University University at Albany, SUNY University of Illinois Chicago The University of Texas at Arlington The University of Texas at Austin The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley The University of Texas at San Antonio Access the full analysis: EdExcelencia.org/latinos-higher-ed-2024-fast-facts About Excelencia in Education Excelencia in Education accelerates Latino student success in higher education by promoting Latino student achievement, conducting analysis to inform educational policies, and advancing institutional practices while collaborating with those committed and ready to meet the mission. Launched in 2004 in the nation’s capital, Excelencia has established a network of results-oriented educators and policymakers to address the U.S. economy’s needs for a highly educated workforce and engaged civic leaders. For more information, visit: EdExcelencia.org