A TEXAS BRIEFING
ON 25 YEARS
OF HSIs
Leadership for Latino Student Success in Higher Education 2021
Excelencia in Education’s research and strategic briefings: 25 Years of HSIs
The year 2020 marked 25 years since Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) were specifically
funded through federal legislation. Excelencia in Education has taken responsibility for
chronicling the impact and changes across HSIs, issuing the annual list of institutions, creating
the definition of Emerging HSIs, and producing numerous seminal briefs and fact sheets starting
with our launch in 2004. In 2021, Excelencia brings the full project, 25 Years of HSIs to the
public: www.edexcelencia.org/25yrs-HSIs
This project includes virtual state briefings in Arizona, California, Florida, New York, and Texas,
as well as a national briefing. The research, digital release, and briefings will inform powerful
engagements by leaders in higher education and policy sectors at a critical time in our country
and when record numbers of Latino students should be enrolling in colleges and universities.
To further support action-oriented deliberations and planning about Latino student success in
higher education Excelencia in Education prepared state information packets for five states.
These packets highlight institutions in the state that are HSIs, Emerging HSIs, have graduate
programs, support Latino college completion, have evidence-based practices supporting Latino
student success, and have earned the Seal of Excelencia—a national certification for institutions
that strive to go beyond enrollment to intentionally SERVE Latino students.
The following leaders of colleges, universities, systems, and organizations made common
cause with Excelencia in Education and invested in this project:
Michael Baston, President SUNY-Rockland Community College
Erika Beck, President, California State University, Northridge, (co-host CA)
Alexander Cartwright, President, University of Central Florida
Joseph Castro, Chancellor, California State University
*Michael Crow, President, Arizona State University (co-host AZ briefing)
**Taylor Eighmy, President, University of Texas at San Antonio
Ann Gates, Executive Director, Computing Alliance of Hispanic Serving Institutions (CAHSI)
Steven Gonzales, Interim Chancellor Maricopa Community Colleges
**Jay Hartzell, President, University of Texas at Austin (co-host TX briefing)
Saul Jimenez Sandoval Interim President, California State University, Fresno
Lee Lambert, Chancellor, Pima Community College
Felix Matos Rodriguez, Chancellor, City University of New York
Tomas Morales, President, California State University, San Bernardino
Anthony Munroe, President, CUNY- Borough of Manhattan Community College
Eduardo Ochoa, President, California State University, Monterey Bay
Eloy Oakley, Chancellor, California Community Colleges
Havidan Rodriguez, President, University of Albany (co-host NY briefing)
*Robert Robbins, President, University of Arizona
*Richard Rhodes, Chancellor, Austin Community College
*Mark Rosenberg, President, Florida International University (co-host FL briefing)
Juan Sanchez Muñoz, Chancellor, University of California, Merced
*William Serrata, President, El Paso Community College
Sandy Shugart, President, Valencia College
Denise Trauth, President, Texas State University
Robert Vela, President, San Antonio College
*Heather Wilson, President, University of Texas at El Paso (co-host TX briefing)
*Richard Yao, Interim President, California State University Channel Islands
*2019 Seal of Excelencia certified institutions ** 2020 Seal of Excelencia certified institutions
For more information please visit: www.EdExcelencia.org
A Texas Briefing on 25 Years of Hispanic-Serving Institutions
Table of Contents
Data
Overview: Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) and Title V Funding ................................ 1
Snapshot of HSIs and List of HSIs ................................................................................... 2
List of Emerging Hispanic-Serving Institutions (eHSIs) .................................................... 6
List of Hispanic-Serving Institutions with Graduate Programs (gHSIs) ............................ 8
Latino College Completion: United States ...................................................................... 10
Latino College Completion: Texas ................................................................................. 13
Practice
What Works for Latino Student Success ........................................................................ 16
Leadership
Institutional Commitment ................................................................................................ 19
Overview of HSIs
Nationally, HSIs represent less than 20 percent of all colleges and universities yet enroll
over 65 percent of all Latinos.
HSIs were first identified in federal legislation in 1992 and are defined as accredited and
degree-granting public or private nonprofit institutions of higher education with 25
percent or more total undergraduate Hispanic full-time equivalent (FTE) student
enrollment.
1
According to the most recent data available on Texas HSIs,
• Texas has the 2nd most HSIs amongst all states and locations (96 HSIs).
• HSIs represent over 40% of all institutions, yet enroll over 80% of Latino
undergraduates and 65% of all undergraduates.
• Of all degrees (certificates, associate’s, and bachelor’s) earned by Latinos.
almost 80% are earned at HSIs and 66% of all degrees earned are at HSIs.
• Over 145 unique federal grants to support capacity building (Title V awards) have
been awarded to these institutions, totaling over $331 million.
• There are 45 institutions close to HSI status (Emerging HSIs--eHSIs) in Texas
and 40 HSIs with graduate programs (gHSIs).
1
Summary of Title V of the Higher Education Opportunity Act, as amended in 2008. To be eligible for the “Developing HSIs
Program,” the law further requires that an HSI have a high enrollment of needy students and low core expenses.
1
HISPANIC-SERVING INSTITUTIONS (HSIs):
TEXAS
www.EdExcelencia.org
Sector
Sector
# HSIs
% HSIs
Public, 2-year
44
46%
Public, 4-year+
30
31%
Private not-for-profit, 4-year+
19
20%
Private not-for-profit, 2-year
3
3%
Total:
96
100%
Degrees awarded to Latinos
The top institutions where Latinos earn degrees/certificates are as follows:
Institution
City
Sector
HSI
Degrees/Certificates
Earned by Latinos
1. South Texas College
McAllen
Public, 4-year
Yes
5,804
2. San Jacinto Community
College
Pasadena
Public, 2-year
Yes
4,103
3. The University of Texas Rio
Grande Valley
Edinburg
Public, 4-year
Yes
3,829
4. El Paso Community College
El Paso
Public, 2-year
Yes
3,711
5. Lone Star College System
The Woodlands
Public, 2-year
Yes
3,635
Snapshot of HSIs
According to the most recent data available (2018-19), in Texas,
• There are 96 Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs).
• HSIs represent over 40% of all institutions yet enroll over 80% of Latino undergraduates
and 65% of all undergraduates.
• The top 5 institutions where Latinos earn degrees are all public HSIs.
• Over 75% of HSIs are public institutions (74).
• More than 80% of HSIs enrolled fewer than 10,000 students.
• Almost half of students (48%) enrolled at HSIs are Latino.
• The majority of HSIs (64%) are located in cities.
The following provides a summary of HSIs in Texas.
Following is a more detailed list of HSIs, Emerging HSIs, and HSIs with graduate programs.
Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) Enrollment
FTE Enrollment
# HSIs
% of HSIs
< 500
9
9%
500-10,000
72
75%
10,000-15,000
0
0%
>15,000
15
16%
Total:
96
100%
Degree of Urbanization
Type
# HSIs
% of HSIs
City
61
64%
Town
19
20%
Suburb
12
12%
Rural
4
4%
Total:
96
100%
Total FTE Enrollment at HSIs
Race/Ethnicity
Undergraduate
Hispanic/Latino
310,042
All students
647,598
% Latino:
48%
2
TEXAS
Fore more information, visit www.EdExcelencia.org
Hispanic-Serving Institutions (n=96)
Institution
City Sector Total Hispanic % Hispanic
1
Altierus Career College-Bissonnet
Houston
2 Priv 382 205 53.7%
2
Alvin Community College
Alvin
2 Pub 2,736 992 36.3%
3
Amarillo College
Amarillo
2 Pub 5,458 2,296 42.1%
4
Angelina College
Lufkin
2 Pub 2,697 797 29.6%
5
Angelo State University
San Angelo
4 Pub 6,756 2,445 36.2%
6
Austin Community College District
Austin
4 Pub 21,822 7,885 36.1%
7
Baptist University of the Americas
San Antonio
4 Priv 129 67 51.9%
8
Brazosport College
Lake Jackson
4 Pub 2,232 926 41.5%
9
Brookhaven College
Farmers Branch
2 Pub 5,801 2,446 42.2%
10
Cedar Valley College
Lancaster
2 Pub 3,623 1,118 30.9%
11
Central Texas College
Killeen
2 Pub 8,289 2,123 25.6%
12
Cisco College
Cisco
2 Pub 2,107 573 27.2%
13
Coastal Bend College
Beeville
2 Pub 2,348 1,701 72.4%
14
College of the Mainland
Texas City
2 Pub 2,310 736 31.9%
15
Concordia University Texas
Austin
4 Priv 1,495 506 33.8%
16
Del Mar College
Corpus Christi
2 Pub 5,718 3,880 67.9%
17
Eastfield College
Mesquite
2 Pub 7,479 3,760 50.3%
18
El Centro College
Dallas
2 Pub 5,001 2,462 49.2%
19
El Paso Community College
El Paso
2 Pub 15,537 13,175 84.8%
20
Frank Phillips College
Borger
2 Pub 864 337 39.0%
21
Galveston College
Galveston
2 Pub 1,288 503 39.1%
22
Hallmark University
San Antonio
4 Priv 810 358 44.2%
23
Houston Baptist University
Houston
4 Priv 2,051 764 37.3%
24
Houston Community College
Houston
2 Pub 30,309 9,930 32.8%
25
Howard College
Big Spring
2 Pub 2,331 1,143 49.0%
26
Huston-Tillotson University
Austin
4 Priv 1,068 288 27.0%
27
Jacksonville College-Main Campus
Jacksonville
2 Priv 349 128 36.7%
28
Lamar State College-Port Arthur
Port Arthur
2 Pub 1,417 455 32.1%
29
Laredo College
Laredo
2 Pub 5,352 5,235 97.8%
30
Lee College
Baytown
2 Pub 3,499 1,440 41.2%
31
Lone Star College System
The Woodlands
2 Pub 37,925 14,395 38.0%
32
McLennan Community College
Waco
2 Pub 5,224 1,712 32.8%
33
McMurry University
Abilene
4 Priv 1,044 278 26.6%
34
Midland College
Midland
4 Pub 3,145 1,631 51.9%
35
Mountain View College
Dallas
2 Pub 4,960 3,014 60.8%
36
North Lake College
Irving
2 Pub 5,098 1,996 39.2%
37
Northeast Lakeview College
Universal City
2 Pub 2,670 1,318 49.4%
38
Northeast Texas Community College
Mount Pleasant
2 Pub 1,964 603 30.7%
Undergraduate FTE Enrollment
3
TEXAS
Fore more information, visit www.EdExcelencia.org
Hispanic-Serving Institutions continued
Institution
City Sector Total Hispanic % Hispanic
39
Northwest Vista College
San Antonio
2 Pub 8,080 5,194 64.3%
40
Odessa College
Odessa
2 Pub 3,682 2,376 64.5%
41
Our Lady of the Lake University
San Antonio
4 Priv 1,341 1,029 76.7%
42
Palo Alto College
San Antonio
2 Pub 4,686 3,759 80.2%
43
Remington College-Dallas Campus
Garland
4 Priv 779 357 45.8%
44
Remington College-Fort Worth
Campus
Fort Worth
4 Priv 474 136 28.7%
45
Remington College-Houston Southeast
Campus
Webster
2 Priv 324 119 36.7%
46
Remington College-North Houston
Campus
Houston
4 Priv 448 178 39.7%
47
Richland College
Dallas
2 Pub 9,345 3,190 34.1%
48
Saint Edward's University
Austin
4 Priv 3,600 1,592 44.2%
49
San Antonio College
San Antonio
2 Pub 8,194 5,182 63.2%
50
San Jacinto Community College
Pasadena
2 Pub 15,671 9,094 58.0%
51
Schreiner University
Kerrville
4 Priv 1,192 486 40.8%
52
South Plains College
Levelland
2 Pub 5,969 2,868 48.0%
53
South Texas College
McAllen
4 Pub 19,367 18,439 95.2%
54
Southwest Collegiate Institute for the
Deaf
Big Spring
2 Pub 82 37 45.1%
55
Southwest Texas Junior College
Uvalde
2 Pub 3,534 3,058 86.5%
56
Southwestern Adventist University
Keene
4 Priv 772 378 49.0%
57
St Philip's College
San Antonio
2 Pub 4,925 2,954 60.0%
58
St. Mary's University
San Antonio
4 Priv 2,306 1,547 67.1%
59
Sul Ross State University
Alpine
4 Pub 1,654 1,038 62.8%
60
Tarrant County College District
Fort Worth
2 Pub 26,442 9,321 35.3%
61
Temple College
Temple
2 Pub 2,707 776 28.7%
62
Texas A & M International University
Laredo
4 Pub 5,944 5,612 94.4%
63
Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi
4 Pub 8,546 4,320 50.5%
64
Texas A & M University-Kingsville
Kingsville
4 Pub 5,895 4,286 72.7%
65
Texas A&M University-San Antonio
San Antonio
4 Pub 4,051 2,983 73.6%
66
Texas Lutheran University
Seguin
4 Priv 1,367 510 37.3%
67
Texas Southmost College
Brownsville
2 Pub 3,500 3,303 94.4%
68
Texas State Technical College
Waco
2 Pub 7,402 3,751 50.7%
69
Texas State University
San Marcos
4 Pub 30,522 11,704 38.3%
70
Texas Tech University
Lubbock
4 Pub 29,387 8,698 29.6%
71
Texas Tech University Health Sciences
Center-El Paso
El Paso
4 Pub 219 158 72.1%
72
Texas Wesleyan University
Fort Worth
4 Priv 1,355 440 32.5%
Undergraduate FTE Enrollment
4
TEXAS
Fore more information, visit www.EdExcelencia.org
Hispanic-Serving Institutions continued
Institution
City Sector Total Hispanic % Hispanic
73
Texas Woman's University
Denton
4 Pub 8,296 2,581 31.1%
74
The University of Texas at Arlington
Arlington
4 Pub 25,438 7,386 29.0%
75
The University of Texas at El Paso
El Paso
4 Pub 17,038 14,060 82.5%
76
The University of Texas at San Antonio
San Antonio
4 Pub 24,740 13,870 56.1%
77
The University of Texas Health
Science Center at Houston
Houston
4 Pub 636 193 30.3%
78
The University of Texas Health
Science Center at San Antonio
San Antonio
4 Pub 713 353 49.5%
79
The University of Texas MD Anderson
Cancer Center
Houston
4 Pub 317 106 33.4%
80
The University of Texas of the Permian
Basin
Odessa
4 Pub 3,116 1,642 52.7%
81
The University of Texas Rio Grande
Valley
Edinburg
4 Pub 21,368 19,332 90.5%
82
Tyler Junior College
Tyler
4 Pub 7,672 1,951 25.4%
83
University of Houston
Houston
4 Pub 32,193 11,024 34.2%
84
University of Houston-Clear Lake
Houston
4 Pub 4,355 1,718 39.4%
85
University of Houston-Downtown
Houston
4 Pub 8,816 4,458 50.6%
86
University of Houston-Victoria
Victoria
4 Pub 2,331 1,014 43.5%
87
University of North Texas
Denton
4 Pub 27,808 7,120 25.6%
88
University of North Texas at Dallas
Dallas
4 Pub 2,278 1,301 57.1%
89
University of St Thomas
Houston
4 Priv 1,732 807 46.6%
90
University of the Incarnate Word
San Antonio
4 Priv 4,675 2,642 56.5%
91
Vernon College
Vernon
2 Pub 1,644 426 25.9%
92
Victoria College
Victoria
2 Pub 2,000 950 47.5%
93
Wayland Baptist University
Plainview
4 Priv 1,893 621 32.8%
94
West Texas A & M University
Canyon
4 Pub 6,248 1,858 29.7%
95
Western Texas College
Snyder
2 Pub 1,064 358 33.6%
96
Wharton County Junior College
Wharton
2 Pub 4,177 1,777 42.5%
Total: 647,598 310,042 47.9%
Undergraduate FTE Enrollment
5
TEXAS
Fore more information, visit www.EdExcelencia.org
Institution
City Sector Total Hispanic % Hispanic
1
Abilene Christian University
Abilene
4 Priv 3,455 598 17.3%
2
Arlington Baptist University
Arlington
4 Priv 148 24 16.2%
3
Austin College
Sherman
4 Priv 1,278 259 20.3%
4
Baylor University
Waco
4 Priv 14,059 2,209 15.7%
5
Blinn College
Brenham
2 Pub 13,524 3,013 22.3%
6
Clarendon College
Clarendon
2 Pub 1,025 211 20.6%
7
Collin County Community College
District
McKinney
2 Pub 18,386 3,778 20.5%
8
Commonwealth Institute of Funeral
Service
Houston
2 Priv 173 26 15.0%
9
Criswell College
Dallas
4 Priv 129 20 15.5%
10
Dallas Baptist University
Dallas
4 Priv 2,619 451 17.2%
11
Dallas Christian College
Dallas
4 Priv 185 30 16.2%
12
Dallas Institute of Funeral Service
Dallas
2 Priv 187 30 16.0%
13
Hardin-Simmons University
Abilene
4 Priv 1,680 320 19.0%
14
Howard Payne University
Brownwood
4 Priv 871 205 23.5%
15
Kilgore College
Kilgore
2 Pub 3,053 644 21.1%
16
Lamar Institute of Technology
Beaumont
2 Pub 2,003 412 20.6%
17
Lamar University
Beaumont
4 Pub 7,014 1,290 18.4%
18
Lubbock Christian University
Lubbock
4 Priv 1,338 329 24.6%
19
Midwestern State University
Wichita Falls
4 Pub 4,706 955 20.3%
20
Navarro College
Corsicana
2 Pub 4,965 961 19.4%
21
North American University
Stafford
4 Priv 264 47 17.8%
22
North Central Texas College
Gainesville
2 Pub 5,768 1,356 23.5%
23
Panola College
Carthage
2 Pub 1,705 257 15.1%
24
Paris Junior College
Paris
2 Pub 2,837 544 19.2%
25
Parker University
Dallas
4 Priv 378 74 19.6%
26
Paul Quinn College
Dallas
4 Priv 532 96 18.0%
27
Ranger College
Ranger
2 Pub 1,438 229 15.9%
28
Rice University
Houston
4 Priv 3,936 607 15.4%
29
Sam Houston State University
Huntsville
4 Pub 16,455 4,024 24.5%
30
Southwestern University
Georgetown
4 Priv 1,423 342 24.0%
31
Stephen F Austin State University
Nacogdoches
4 Pub 10,192 1,954 19.2%
32
Tarleton State University
Stephenville
4 Pub 9,563 1,923 20.1%
Emerging Hispanic-Serving Institutions (eHSIs)
While Emerging HSIs do not have the Latino student enrollment required to meet the definition
of an HSI, these institutions may soon meet the criteria as their enrollment grows and Latino
representation increases. The following list of Emerging HSIs was created using data from
IPEDS.
In 2018-19, there were 45 eHSIs in Texas.
6
TEXAS
Fore more information, visit www.EdExcelencia.org
eHSIs continued
Institution
City Sector Total Hispanic % Hispanic
33
Texas A & M University-Central Texas
Killeen
4 Pub 1,180 284 24.1%
34
Texas A & M University-College
Station
College
Station
4 Pub 49,959 12,056 24.1%
35
Texas A & M University-Commerce
Commerce
4 Pub 6,979 1,511 21.7%
36
Texas A&M University-Texarkana
Texarkana
4 Pub 1,395 253 18.1%
37
Texas Tech University Health Sciences
Center
Lubbock
4 Pub 1,274 305 23.9%
38
The University of Texas at Austin
Austin
4 Pub 39,189 9,235 23.6%
39
The University of Texas at Dallas
Richardson
4 Pub 17,975 3,214 17.9%
40
The University of Texas at Tyler
Tyler
4 Pub 5,767 1,138 19.7%
41
The University of Texas Medical
Branch
Galveston
4 Pub 685 164 23.9%
42
Trinity University
San Antonio
4 Priv 2,449 517 21.1%
43
University of Dallas
Irving
4 Priv 1,456 344 23.6%
44
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
Belton
4 Priv 3,266 708 21.7%
45
Weatherford College
Weatherford
2 Pub 3,517 708 20.1%
Total: 270,380 57,655 21.3%
Undergraduate FTE Enrollment
7
TEXAS
Fore more information, visit www.EdExcelencia.org
Institution
City Sector
Total
Graduate
Students
Total
Hispanic
Graduate
Students
%
Graduate
Hispanic
1
Angelo State University
San Angelo 4 Pub 1,715 402 23.4%
2
Concordia University Texas
Austin 4 Priv 822 253 30.8%
3
Hallmark University
San Antonio 4 Priv 5 4 80.0%
4
Houston Baptist University
Houston 4 Priv 1,111 206 18.5%
5
Huston-Tillotson University
Austin 4 Priv -- -- --
6
McMurry University
Abilene 4 Priv 4 2 50.0%
7
Our Lady of the Lake University
San Antonio 4 Priv 1,730 802 46.4%
8
Saint Edward's University
Austin 4 Priv 512 147 28.7%
9
Schreiner University
Kerrville 4 Priv 99 28 28.3%
10
Southwestern Adventist University
Keene 4 Priv 19 7 36.8%
11
St. Mary's University
San Antonio 4 Priv 1,275 571 44.8%
12
Sul Ross State University
Alpine 4 Pub 602 318 52.8%
13
Texas A & M International University
Laredo 4 Pub 892 786 88.1%
14
Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi 4 Pub 2,153 744 34.6%
15
Texas A & M University-Kingsville
Kingsville 4 Pub 1,565 550 35.1%
16
Texas A&M University-San Antonio
San Antonio 4 Pub 854 475 55.6%
17
Texas Lutheran University
Seguin 4 Priv 32 7 21.9%
18
Texas State University
San Marcos 4 Pub 4,457 1,172 26.3%
19
Texas Tech University
Lubbock 4 Pub 6,252 922 14.7%
20
Texas Tech University Health Sciences
Center-El Paso
El Paso 4 Pub 466 158 33.9%
21
Texas Wesleyan University
Fort Worth 4 Priv 780 121 15.5%
22
Texas Woman's University
Denton 4 Pub 5,130 912 17.8%
23
The University of Texas at Arlington
Arlington 4 Pub 13,427 2,182 16.3%
24
The University of Texas at El Paso
El Paso 4 Pub 3,687 2,284 61.9%
25
The University of Texas at San Antonio
San Antonio 4 Pub 4,276 1,773 41.5%
26
The University of Texas Health
Science Center at Houston
Houston 4 Pub 4,618 734 15.9%
27
The University of Texas Health
Science Center at San Antonio
San Antonio 4 Pub 2,518 697 27.7%
28
The University of Texas MD Anderson
Cancer Center
Houston 4 Pub 20 2 10.0%
The list of institutions identified as HSIs with graduate programs in this analysis is not intended
to designate eligibility for any specific program; rather, the list is meant to assist in considering
and analyzing the institutions that meet the legislative definition of an HSI and offer graduate
programs. The following list of HSIs was created using data from IPEDS.
In 2018-19, 40 HSIs (42%) in Texas offered graduate programs.
HSIs with Graduate Programs (gHSIs)
8
TEXAS
Fore more information, visit www.EdExcelencia.org
gHSIs continued
Institution
City Sector
Total
Graduate
Students
Total
Hispanic
Graduate
Students
%
Graduate
Hispanic
29
The University of Texas of the Permian
Basin
Odessa 4 Pub 1,090 381 35.0%
30
The University of Texas Rio Grande
Valley
Edinburg 4 Pub 3,966 2,909 73.3%
31
University of Houston
Houston 4 Pub 7,976 1,158 14.5%
32
University of Houston-Clear Lake
Houston 4 Pub 2,749 602 21.9%
33
University of Houston-Downtown
Houston 4 Pub 1,585 440 27.8%
34
University of Houston-Victoria
Victoria 4 Pub 1,135 271 23.9%
35
University of North Texas
Denton 4 Pub 6,866 935 13.6%
36
University of North Texas at Dallas
Dallas 4 Pub 808 202 25.0%
37
University of St Thomas
Houston 4 Priv 1,245 402 32.3%
38
University of the Incarnate Word
San Antonio 4 Priv 2,705 1,037 38.3%
39
Wayland Baptist University
Plainview 4 Priv 1,148 292 25.4%
40
West Texas A & M University
Canyon 4 Pub 2,653 430 16.2%
Total: 92,947 25,318 27.2%
9
To reach the degree attainment goal by 2030, the U.S. can: 1) close the
equity gap in college completion; 2) increase the number of degrees
conferred; and, 3) scale up programs and initiatives that work for Latino
and other students. The following is a framework for tracking Latino
degree attainment in the U.S.
LATINO COLLEGE
COMPLETION:
UNITED STATES
Ensuring America’s Future by Increasing Latino College Completion | www.EdExcelencia.org
For the U.S. to regain the top ranking in the world for college degree
attainment, Latinos will need to earn 6.2 million degrees by 2030.
1
NOTE: We use the terms Latino and Hispanic interchangeably in this factsheet.
Source: Excelencia in Education analysis using U.S. Department of Education, National Center for
Education Statistics (NCES), Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), 2018 Fall
Enrollment, Graduation Rates Survey and Institutional Characteristics Survey.
ENROLLING: Top 5 Institutions (Hispanic Undergraduates) in the United States, Fall 2018
Institution State Sector
Grand
Total
Hispanic
Total
%
Hispanic
1
Miami Dade College FL Public, 4-year 54,973 38,213 70%
2
Florida International University FL Public, 4-year 48,818 32,877 67%
3
South Texas College TX Public, 4-year 31,949 30,419 95%
4
Lone Star College System TX Public, 2-year 73,499 27,925 38%
5
El Paso Community College TX Public, 2-year 28,819 24,601 85%
ASSOCIATE DEGREES: Top 5 Institutions Awarding to Hispanics in the United States, 2017-18
Institution State Sector
Grand
Total
Hispanic
Total
%
Hispanic
1
Miami Dade College FL Public, 4-year 9,594 6,670 70%
2
South Texas College TX Public, 4-year 4,112 3,923 95%
3
El Paso Community College TX Public, 2-year 3,438 2,975 87%
4
Lone Star College System TX Public, 2-year 7,552 2,654 35%
5
Valencia College FL Public, 4-year 7,864 2,574 33%
BACHELOR DEGREES: Top 5 Institutions Awarding to Hispanics in the United States, 2017-18
Institution State Sector
Grand
Total
Hispanic
Total
%
Hispanic
1
Florida International University FL Public, 4-year 10,261 6,764 66%
2
California State University-Fullerton CA Public, 4-year 9,038 3,660 40%
3
The University of Texas Rio
Grande Valley
TX Public, 4-year 4,046 3,618 89%
4
California State University-Northridge CA Public, 4-year 8,806 3,573 41%
5
California State University-Long
Beach
CA Public, 4-year 8,615 3,417 40%
DEGREE ATTAINMENT:
In the United States, 24% of Hispanic
adults (25 and older) had earned an
associate degree or higher, compared to
46% of White non-Hispanic adults.
7
POPULATION PROJECTION:
The Latino population in
the United States is expected to
increase by 25% by 2030.
2
FAST FACTS
POPULATION:
In the United States, 18% of the
population was Latino.
4
K-12 POPULATION:
In the United States, 25% of the
K-12 population was Latino.
3
ENROLLMENT:
In the United States, 21% of
Hispanics (ages 18 to 34) were
enrolled in higher education, compared
to 24% of White non-Hispanics.
6
MEDIAN AGE:
The median age of
Hispanics in the
United States was
30, compared
to 44 for White
non-Hispanics.
5
44
White
non-Hispanics
30
Hispanics
White Adults = 4.6 of 10
Hispanic Adults = 2.4 of 10
10
United States Equity Gap in Degree Completion
Closing the equity gap in college completion can
be tracked by the 4 measures shown below.
Alone, none of these measures capture the entire
“story” of equity in degree completion. However,
in combination, they provide a useful picture of the
equity gap in degree attainment between Hispanic
and White non-Hispanic cohorts in a single year.
Graduation Rate — Total percentage of students
who graduated within 150% of normal time for
first-time, full-time freshmen. This incorporates
students that graduated in 3 years at two-year
institutions, or in 6 years at four-year institutions.
Transferred to Another Institution — Percentage
of students that transferred to another institution.
(Only incorporates students who have transferred out
from an institution and did not complete a degree.)
Still Enrolled — Percentage of students that are
still enrolled at the point of 150% normal time to
completion.
No Longer Enrolled — Percentage of students
that are no longer enrolled at the point of 150%
normal time to completion.
Examples of What Works for Latino Students
There are institutions showing success in enrolling, retaining, and graduating Latino students. The following are examples of
programs across the country with evidence of effectiveness in serving Latino students nominated for Examples of Excelencia.
Attract, Inspire, Mentor, and Support Students – The
AIMS2 Program at California State University Northridge
(CSUN) was a 2019 Example of Excelencia. The AIMS2 Program
helps transfer students pursue degrees and careers in engineering
and computer science. In partnership with Glendale Community
College and College of the Canyons, the program offers stipends,
special mentoring and advising by faculty, tutoring and peer
mentoring, social activities, field trips and opportunities to take
part in paid research projects. Latino students in the 2012 through
2017 cohorts had a three-year transfer graduation rate of 70%,
almost double the three-year transfer graduation rate of their
peers in the college. The program has tripled the number of Latino
students graduating in computer engineering and computer science
majors from 57 students in 2012-13, to 171 students in 2016-17.
ENSURING AMERICA’S FUTURE BY INCREASING LATINO COLLEGE COMPLETION • WWW.EDEXCELENCIA.ORG
For more information on institutional programs improving Latino student success in higher education, access Excelencia
in Education’s Growing What Works database at http://www.edexcelencia.org/growing-what-works
DEGREE OUTCOMES
At two-year institutions, Hispanics’
graduation rate was 2%-points
lower than that of their White non-
Hispanic peers in the United States.
At four-year institutions, Hispanics’
graduation rate was 12%-points
lower than that of their White non-
Hispanic peers in the United States.
*Percentages may not add up to 100% due to rounding.
NOTE: Outcomes shown are for students at two-year institutions who started in Fall 2015, and
for students at four-year institutions who started in Fall 2012.
Source: Excelencia in Education analysis using the U.S. Department of Education, National
Center for Education Statistics (NCES), Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, 2018
Graduation Rates Survey and the Institutional Characteristics Survey.
No Longer Enrolled
Still Enrolled
Transferred to
Another Institution
Graduation Rate
TWO-YEAR INSTITUTIONS FOUR-YEAR INSTITUTIONS
HISPANICWHITEHISPANICWHITE
35%
17%
10%
-2%
-12%
38%
42%
33%
11%
15%
63%
12%
2%
51%
12%
5%
23%
32%
1 Projections to 2030: Excelencia in Education. (2020). Ensuring America’s Future:
Benchmarking Latino College Completion to 2030. Excelencia in Education.
Washington, D.C.
2 Population Projection: U.S. Census Bureau, Projected Race and Hispanic Origin:
Main Projections Series for the United States, 2017-2060.
3 K-12 Population: U.S. Census Bureau, 2018 American Community Survey 1-Year
Estimates.
4 Population: U.S. Census Bureau, 2018 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates.
5 Median Age: U.S. Census Bureau, 2018 American Community Survey 1-Year
Estimates.
6 Enrollment: U.S. Census Bureau, 2014-2018 American Community Survey 5-Year
Estimates.
7 Degree Attainment: U.S. Census Bureau, 2018 American Community Survey
1-Year Estimates.
11
Ensuring America’s Future by Increasing Latino College Completion • www.EdExcelencia.org
LATINO COLLEGE COMPLETION:
UNITED STATES
Nationally, Latino student enrollment and degree completion continues to increase. However,
to reach the Latino degree attainment goal of 6.2 million degrees by 2030 requires a tactical
plan for Latino college completion. This plan should include: closing equity gaps in degree
completion, and accelerating, not just increasing, Latinos’ degree attainment.
Population overview
The United States has a growing and young Latino population. While 18 percent of the overall
population is Latino, 25 percent of students in K-12 education are Latino. Additionally, the
Latino population is projected to increase by 25 percent by 2030. Furthermore, the median age
for Latinos is 30, compared to 44 for White non-Hispanics. As more Latino students enter
higher education, policymakers at the state, institutional, and national level should keep in
mind that they’ll have an increasingly young, Latino, first-generation population. !
Opportunities for growth!
In the United States, Latino students are significantly more likely to enroll in institutions
primarily awarding associates degrees. Four of the top five institutions enrolling Latino
undergraduates are associate degree-granting institutions. Additionally, each of the top five
institutions enroll more than 24,000 Latino students.
However, equity gaps exist in degree attainment and degree completion in the United States.
Nationally, only 24 percent of Latino adults have an associate degree or higher, compared to
46 percent of White non-Hispanic adults. Additionally, at two-year institutions, 42 percent of
Latino students are no longer enrolled three years after starting their degree, and Latino
students graduate at a rate two percentage points lower than their White peers—33 percent
and 35 percent, respectively. At four-year institutions, Latinos are graduating 12 percentage
points lower than their White peers—51 percent and 63 percent, respectively. Closing the
degree attainment gap in the United States will require policies that help the many Latino
students entering higher education on their path to completion.!
What comes next?
National policies to increase Latino student success should keep in mind the profile of Latino
students and adjust to meet their needs. The Latino population in the United States is young,
growing, and significantly enrolling in public institutions. Opportunities exist for institutions in
the United States to help more Latino students complete their degrees to reach the Latino
degree attainment goal by 2030. !
Examples of institutional efforts to meet students’ needs can be seen within the Seal of
Excelencia. The Seal is a national certification for institutions intentionally SERVING Latino
students through data, practice, and leadership. !
12
To reach the degree attainment goal by 2030, the U.S. can: 1) close the
equity gap in college completion; 2) increase the number of degrees
conferred; and, 3) scale up programs and initiatives that work for Latino
and other students. The following is a framework for tracking Latino
degree attainment in the U.S.
DEGREE ATTAINMENT:
In Texas, 21% of Hispanic
adults (25 and older) had earned an
associate degree or higher, compared to
47% of White non-Hispanic adults.
6
ENROLLMENT:
In Texas, 19% of Hispanics
(ages 18 to 34) were enrolled in
higher education, compared to 23%
of White non-Hispanics.
5
MEDIAN AGE:
The median age
of Hispanics in
Texas was 29,
compared to 42
for White non-
Hispanics.
4
K-12 POPULATION:
In Texas, 49% of the K-12
population was Latino.
2
STATE RANKING:
Texas had the 2nd largest
Latino population in the U.S.
POPULATION:
In Texas, 40% of the population
was Latino.
3
FAST FACTS
LATINO COLLEGE
COMPLETION:
TEXAS
Ensuring America’s Future by Increasing Latino College Completion | www.EdExcelencia.org
42
White
non-Hispanics
29
Hispanics
White Adults = 4.7 of 10
Hispanic Adults = 2.1 of 10
For the U.S. to regain the top ranking in the world for college degree
attainment, Latinos will need to earn 6.2 million degrees by 2030.
1
NOTE: We use the terms Latino and Hispanic interchangeably in this factsheet.
Source: Excelencia in Education analysis using U.S. Department of Education, National Center for
Education Statistics (NCES), Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), 2018 Fall
Enrollment, Graduation Rates Survey and Institutional Characteristics Survey.
ENROLLING: Top 5 Institutions (Hispanic Undergraduates) in Texas, Fall 2018
Institution Sector
Grand
Total
Hispanic
Total
%
Hispanic
1
South Texas College Public, 4-year 31,949 30,419 95%
2
Lone Star College System Public, 2-year 73,499 27,925 38%
3
El Paso Community College Public, 2-year 28,819 24,601 85%
4
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Public, 4-year 24,678 22,281 90%
5
Houston Community College Public, 2-year 57,200 20,067 35%
ASSOCIATE DEGREES: Top 5 Institutions Awarding to Hispanics in Texas, 2017-18
Institution Sector
Grand
Total
Hispanic
Total
%
Hispanic
1
South Texas College Public, 4-year 4,112 3,923 95%
2
El Paso Community College Public, 2-year 3,438 2,975 87%
3
Lone Star College System Public, 2-year 7,552 2,654 35%
4
San Antonio College Public, 2-year 4,038 2,323 58%
5
San Jacinto Community College Public, 2-year 4,619 2,253 49%
BACHELOR DEGREES: Top 5 Institutions Awarding to Hispanics in Texas, 2017-18
Institution Sector
Grand
Total
Hispanic
Total
%
Hispanic
1
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Public, 4-year 4,046 3,618 89%
2
The University of Texas at El Paso Public, 4-year 3,429 2,847 83%
3
The University of Texas at San Antonio Public, 4-year 4,945 2,645 53%
4
Texas A & M University-College Station Public, 4-year 12,423 2,610 21%
5
University of Houston Public, 4-year 7,300 2,392 33%
13
Texas Equity Gap in Degree Completion
Closing the equity gap in college completion can
be tracked by the 4 measures shown below.
Alone, none of these measures capture the entire
“story” of equity in degree completion. However,
in combination, they provide a useful picture of the
equity gap in degree attainment between Hispanic
and White non-Hispanic cohorts in a single year.
Graduation Rate — Total percentage of students
who graduated within 150% of normal time for
first-time, full-time freshmen. This incorporates
students that graduated in 3 years at two-year
institutions, or in 6 years at four-year institutions.
Transferred to Another Institution — Percentage
of students that transferred to another institution.
(Only incorporates students who have transferred out
from an institution and did not complete a degree.)
Still Enrolled — Percentage of students that are
still enrolled at the point of 150% normal time to
completion.
No Longer Enrolled — Percentage of students
that are no longer enrolled at the point of 150%
normal time to completion.
Examples of What Works for Latino Students
There are institutions showing success in enrolling, retaining, and graduating Latino students. The following are examples of
programs across the country with evidence of effectiveness in serving Latino students nominated for Examples of Excelencia.
The Believe & Achieve (B&A) Youth Development and
Scholarship Program at Trinity River Mission (TRM) was a
2019 Examples of Excelencia finalist. TRM seeks to increase
the number of high school graduates and empower them to
pursue and succeed in post-secondary enrollment. In order
for students to receive access to financial support from the
program, they must complete program requirements, including
10 college/career prep workshops, leadership/character
development, 10 hours of social/emotional enrichment, and
20 hours of community service per year. On average, 93%
of Latino TRM students in the program enroll in college and
attend their first semester each year, with 100% of Latino
students enrolling in 2018.
ENSURING AMERICA’S FUTURE BY INCREASING LATINO COLLEGE COMPLETION • WWW.EDEXCELENCIA.ORG
For more information on institutional programs improving Latino student success in higher education, access Excelencia
in Education’s Growing What Works database at http://www.edexcelencia.org/growing-what-works
DEGREE OUTCOMES
1 Projections to 2030: Excelencia in Education. (2020). Ensuring America’s
Future: Benchmarking Latino College Completion to 2030. Excelencia in
Education. Washington, D.C.
2 K-12 Population: U.S. Census Bureau, 2018 American Community Survey
1-Year Estimates.
3 Population: U.S. Census Bureau, 2018 American Community Survey 1-Year
Estimates.
4 Median Age: U.S. Census Bureau, 2018 American Community Survey 1-Year
Estimates.
5 Enrollment: U.S. Census Bureau, 2014-2018 American Community Survey
5-Year Estimates.
6 Degree Attainment: U.S. Census Bureau, 2018 American Community Survey
1-Year Estimates.
At two-year institutions, Hispanics’
graduation rate was 5%-points
higher than that of their White
non-Hispanic peers in Texas.
At four-year institutions, Hispanics’
graduation rate was 14%-points
lower than that of their White non-
Hispanic peers in Texas.
*Percentages may not add up to 100% due to rounding.
NOTE: Outcomes shown are for students at two-year institutions who started in Fall 2015, and
for students at four-year institutions who started in Fall 2012.
Source: Excelencia in Education analysis using the U.S. Department of Education, National
Center for Education Statistics (NCES), Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, 2018
Graduation Rates Survey and the Institutional Characteristics Survey.
No Longer Enrolled
Still Enrolled
Transferred to
Another Institution
Graduation Rate
TWO-YEAR INSTITUTIONS FOUR-YEAR INSTITUTIONS
HISPANICWHITEHISPANICWHITE
27%
24%
10%
32%
5%
-14%
39%
40%
13%
15%
61%
17%
3%
47%
18%
5%
19%
29%
14
Ensuring America’s Future by Increasing Latino College Completion • www.EdExcelencia.org
LATINO COLLEGE COMPLETION:
TEXAS
Nationally, Latino student enrollment and degree completion continues to increase. However,
different patterns emerge within each state. For example, Texas is home to one of the largest
Latino populations in the country. At two-year institutions in Texas, Latinos graduate at a
higher rate than their White peers. However, Texas lags in Latinos’ degree completion and
overall degree attainment.
Population overview
Texas has a large and young Latino population. The state is home to the second largest Latino
population in the country—about 40 percent of the overall population is Latino. The Latino
population is young and will continue to grow. About half of students in K-12 education are
Latino. Furthermore, the median age for Latinos is 29, compared to 42 for White non-
Hispanics. As more Latino students enter higher education, policymakers at the state and
institutional level should keep in mind that they’ll have an increasingly young, Latino, first-
generation population.
Where Texas leads
Significantly more Latinos are enrolling in institutions awarding associates degrees in Texas.
All but one of the top five institutions enrolling Latino undergraduates are primarily associate
degree-granting institutions. Each institution enrolls at least 20,000 Latino students, much
higher than enrollment numbers at two-year institutions in other states. At two-year institutions,
Latinos are graduating at a higher rate than their White peers—32 percent and 27 percent,
respectively, one of the few states in the country where this happens.
Where Texas lags
In Texas, equity gaps exist in degree attainment overall among adults. Many of Texas’ Latino
students who begin higher education do not complete. Statewide, only 21 percent of Latino
adults have an associate degree or higher, compared to 47 percent of White non-Hispanic
adults. Moreover, at four-year institutions, Latino students have a graduation rate 14
percentage points lower than White students—47 percent and 61 percent, respectively.
Closing the degree attainment gap in Texas will require policies that help the many Latino
students entering higher education on their path to completion.
What comes next?
State policies to increase Latino student success should keep in mind the profile of Latino
students and adjust to meet their needs. Texas has a young and growing Latino population
that is significantly more likely to enroll in a two-year institution. While some public, two-year
institutions are contributing to the success of Latinos in Texas, degree attainment is not
reflective of their enrollment. Opportunities exist for institutions in Texas to help more Latino
students attain a postsecondary degree.
Examples of institutional efforts to meet students’ needs can be seen within the Seal of
Excelencia. The Seal is a national certification for institutions intentionally SERVING Latino
students through data, practice, and leadership. Texas is home to four Seal certified
institutions; two are public two-year institutions, and all four are among the top five awarding
associate and bachelor’s degrees to Latino students.
15
WHAT WORKS FOR LATINO STUDENT SUCCESS:
TEXAS
For more information please visit: www.EdExcelencia.org
Examples of Excelencia
Examples of Excelencia is the only national effort to identify and promote evidence-based
practices that help accelerate Latino student success in higher education. The effort recognizes
programs at the associate, baccalaureate, graduate, and community-based organization level.
Since its inception, over 300 programs have been recognized as evidence-based practices for
their efforts accelerating Latino student success, including over 50 Examples of Excelencia.
Below are 55 evidence-based practices in Texas. Many of the recognized practices focus on
college access/preparation and family engagement.
1. Guided Pathways Program - Austin Community College District at Austin Community
College District is a retention program focused on first-year support and institutional change
at the associate level.
2. Early College High Schools Program at South Texas College is an access program focused
on dual degree/dual credit/early college high school at the associate level.
3. KEY Center at Victoria College is a retention program at the associate level.
4. Brownsville Early College High School (BECHS) at the University of Texas Rio Grande
Valley is an academic program focused on dual degree/dual credit/early college high school
at the associate level.
5. Services for Women and Non-Traditional Students (SWANS) at San Antonio College is a
support services program that focuses on females/Latinas at the associate level.
6. Dual Credit and Early College High School at El Paso Community College is an access
program at the associate level focused on dual credit and early college.
7. Learning Frameworks-Brazosport College at Brazosport College is an academic program
focused on first-year support at the associate level.
8. Learning, Excellence, and Academic Preparedness in STEM (LEAPS) at Laredo College is
a support services program focused on STEM and summer bridge at the associate level.
9. Dual Enrollment Academies at South Texas College is an academic program focused on
dual credit at the associate level.
10. LULAC Parent/Child Program at San Antonio College is an access program focused on
parental/family engagement and a scholarship at the associate level.
11. Mi Casa Es Su Casa at Lone Star College-North Harris is a retention program focused on
faculty training and institutional change at the associate level.
12. Bachelor of Applied Science in Organizational Leadership at South Texas College is an
academic program focused by subject and discipline at the associate level.
13. Reverse Transfer Program at the University of Texas at El Paso is a transfer program at the
associate level.
14. San Antonio College Honors Academy Program at San Antonio College is an academic
program focused on college prep and honors at the associate level.
15. AlamoADVISE at Alamo Colleges District is a support services program focused on
institutional change at the associate level.
16. Upward Bound - Trinity University at Trinity University is a baccalaureate program that
addresses support services by focusing on college prep.
17. Academic Achievers Program (AAP) at the University of Houston is a baccalaureate
program that addresses retention by focusing on college prep.
18. Clinical Laboratory Science Program at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is a
baccalaureate program that focuses on health.
19. Sam Houston Establishing Leadership In and Through Education (SH ELITE) at Sam
Houston State University is a baccalaureate program that addresses retention by focusing
on males/Latinos.
16
WHAT WORKS FOR LATINO STUDENT SUCCESS:
TEXAS
For more information please visit: www.EdExcelencia.org
20. Student Employment Initiative at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is a
baccalaureate program that focuses on retention.
21. Equal Opportunity in Engineering Program (EOE) at the University of Texas at Austin is a
baccalaureate program that addresses access by focusing on STEM.
22. Medical Spanish Minor at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is a baccalaureate
academic program that focuses on Bilingual/ESL.
23. Computing Alliance of Hispanic-Serving Institutions (CAHSI) at the University of Texas at El
Paso is a baccalaureate program that addresses retention by focusing on community
partnerships/collective impacts and STEM.
24. Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program at the University of North Texas is a baccalaureate
program that addresses access by focusing on undergraduate research.
25. Medical Professions Institute at the University of Texas at El Paso is a baccalaureate
program that addresses access by focusing on health.
26. Access College and Excel (ACE) at the University of Texas at San Antonio is a
baccalaureate program that addresses access by focusing on first-year support and
scholarship.
27. Mother-Daughter Program at the University of Texas El Paso is a baccalaureate program
that addresses access by focusing on Latinas and parental/family engagement.
28. Entering Student Program (ESP) at the University of Texas El Paso is a baccalaureate
program that addresses access by focusing on first-year support.
29. Health Professions at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is a baccalaureate program
that addresses access by focusing on health.
30. The Case Management Approach to Academic Advising Program at South Texas College is
a baccalaureate program that addresses retention.
31. Project Mentoring to Achieve Latino Educational Success (MALES) at the University of
Texas at Austin is a baccalaureate program that addresses retention by focusing on Latinos
and mentoring.
32. Learning Framework at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is a baccalaureate
academic program by focusing on first-year support and mentoring.
33. Academy for Teacher Excellence at the University of Texas at San Antonio is a
baccalaureate academic program focused on career/workforce and development of
teachers.
34. Department of Mathematics at the University of Texas at Austin is a baccalaureate
academic program focused on discipline and STEM.
35. University of Texas System Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (UT LSAMP) at
the University of Texas El Paso is a baccalaureate program that addresses retention by
focusing on pathway/pipeline, STEM, and undergraduate research.
36. Scholars Academy at the University of Houston - Downtown is a baccalaureate program that
addresses retention by focusing on scholarship, STEM.
37. Access College and Excel (ACE) Program at the University of Texas at San Antonio is a
baccalaureate program that addresses access by focusing on first-year support and learning
community.
38. College Forward is a community-based organization focused on access, community
partnerships, collective impact, and mentoring.
39. Ascender Program at Catch the Next is a community-based organization focused on
developmental coursework and faculty training.
40. Con Mi Madre is a community-based organization focused on access for Latinas and
parental/family engagement.
17
WHAT WORKS FOR LATINO STUDENT SUCCESS:
TEXAS
For more information please visit: www.EdExcelencia.org
41. Believe & Achieve Program is a community-based organization focused on access, college
prep, and mentoring.
42. GRADCafe at Project GRAD Houston is a community-based organization focused on
access, college prep, and parental/family engagement.
43. University Crossroads at the University of Texas at Arlington is a community-based
organization focused on access, college prep, and community partnerships.
44. ¡Éxito! Latino Cancer Research Leadership Training at the University of Texas at San
Antonio is a graduate program focused on support services and pathway/pipeline.
45. Graduate Support Center at the University of the Incarnate Word is a graduate program
focused on support services.
46. Department of Occupational Therapy at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is a
graduate program focused on health.
47. Ph.D. in Business Administration at the University of Texas at El Paso is a graduate
program focused on business.
48. Ph.D. in English at the University of Texas at San Antonio is a graduate program focused on
English and emphasizing Latina/o literature.
49. Master of Business Administration Program at the University of Texas El Paso is a graduate
program focused on providing an affordable and accessible graduate business education.
50. Educational Leadership Doctoral Program at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is a
graduate program focused on preparing students to lead in educational settings.
51. Cooperative Doctoral Program in Pharmacy at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is
a graduate program focused on health.
52. Psychological Services for Spanish-Speaking Populations Program (PSSSP) at Our Lady of
the Lake University is a graduate program focused on health.
53. The Intellectual Entrepreneurship Pre-Graduate School Internship Program at the University
of Texas at Austin is a graduate program focused on access.
54. Master of Bilingual Education Program at Southern Methodist University is a graduate
program focused on the development of teachers.
55. Masters in School Psychology at the University of Texas at San Antonio is a graduate
program focused on increasing the number of Latino school psychologists in the US.
18
INSTITUTIONAL COMMITMENT:
TEXAS
For more information please visit: www.EdExcelencia.org
Excelencia in Education is working with a network of results-oriented educators and
policymakers committed to providing learning environments where Latino students thrive to
address the U.S. economy’s need for a highly educated workforce and civic leadership. This
network includes 14 Seal of Excelencia certified institutions, over 100 Presidents for Latino
Student Success, and more than 50 programs recognized in Examples of Excelencia.
Seal Certified Institutions
Excelencia in Education established the Seal of Excelencia, a national certification for
institutions that strive to go beyond enrollment to intentionally SERVE Latino students. The first
institutions were certified in 2019, and 14 institutions across the country have earned the Seal.
There are six Seal Certified Institutions in Texas. Institutions that have earned the Seal of
Excelencia are certified for three years.
Institution Name
First Certified in 2019
First Certified in 2020
Austin Community College
ü
El Paso Community College
ü
South Texas College
ü
The University of Texas at El Paso
ü
The University of Texas at Austin
ü
The University of Texas at San Antonio
ü
Austin Community College (ACC ) serves over 100,000 students in Austin and its surrounding
communities. Two examples that show ACC’s commitment to SERVING Latino students are
through their advising and course design. ACC has a close partnership with high schools
struggling with the lowest high school to college transition rates. In these traditionally
underserved schools, ACC’s recruitment teams host college-going events and intentionally
support students as they move through the application process. ACC has increased advising
efforts for historically underserved students, finding that Hispanic students with more than one
advising session saw a 12-percentage point impact lift. Additionally, ACC’s Student Success
Course teaches inexperienced students study skills, time management, and career exploration.
El Paso Community College (EPCC) serves nearly 30,000 students across five campuses in
the El Paso region, with a majority of students identifying as Hispanic. Two examples that show
EPCC’s commitment to SERVING Latino students are through access and community. EPCC’s
Operation College Bound program offers critical access to a historically underserved community
by gathering college applications, financial aid, and registration resources together for
graduating seniors across 23 El Paso high schools. EPCC’s Pasos Program brings culturally
responsive teaching strategies into the classroom, training faculty to connect and engage with
Latino students to ensure they have the same opportunity to succeed.
South Texas College (STC) serves 32,000 students in the Rio Grande Valley. Two examples
that show STC’s commitment to SERVING Latino students are through their advising and
cultural competency. STC’s Mandatory Advisement for First-Time-in-College students program
ensures that students meet with an advisor as they register for classes, emerging with an
Individualized Educational Plan that prepares them for the road ahead. Additionally, STC has
created an environment of cultural competency. Under the concept of familismo, the college
creates supportive environments by building culturally relevant spaces for Latino students. Their
19
INSTITUTIONAL COMMITMENT:
TEXAS
For more information please visit: www.EdExcelencia.org
advisors don’t merely register Latino students for the right classes—they help them plan a
schedule that will save students money, gas, meals, and time.
The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) is a public research university in El Paso, Texas,
serves over 25,000 students, and is the second-largest university in the United States to have a
majority Latino student population. Two examples that show UTEP’s commitment to SERVING
Latino students are through community and data-informed practice. UTEP has built partnerships
with El Paso Community College, local high school districts, and business leaders across El
Paso County. For nearly three decades, the Collaborative has worked to improve the
educational prospects of El Paso’s students, including enrollment at UTEP. UTEP understands
that students have their own educational journeys that are often interrupted or threatened by
family, financial, or health challenges. That’s why they focus on data practical offerings, like
clear transfer plans, to help students finish their degrees.
The University of Texas at Austin (UT) is an emerging Hispanic-Serving Institution with 24%
Hispanic student representation from over 51,000 undergraduate, graduate and professional
students. Two examples that show UT’s commitment to SERVING Latino students are through
building relationships and fostering a sense of belonging. UT builds trusting and authentic
relationships with students and their families through connections with staff, faculty, alumni, and
current students through regional community gatherings and events. Additionally, the 360
Connections program places all freshmen students into small communities of 20 students to
help them integrate socially, academically, and developmentally that fosters a sense of
belonging and builds community for students.
The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) is a four-year public university enrolling
approximately 28,000 students, 58% of which are Latino. Two examples that show UTSA’s
commitment to SERVING Latino students are through accelerating access and linking the
classroom to the workforce. UTSA conducts targeted recruitment campaigns in geographic
areas with large Latino populations throughout Texas. In its local area, the university partners
with 12 school districts and five community colleges. UTSA also understands the importance of
linking classroom success to life after graduation through experiential learning for historically
underserved populations. The university’s Classroom to Career (C2C) Initiative reimagines not
only possibilities for experiential learning, but also how such learning is offered to cultivate a
culture that builds marketable skills leading to career success.
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INSTITUTIONAL COMMITMENT:
TEXAS
For more information please visit: www.EdExcelencia.org
Presidents for Latino Student Success (P4LSS)
P4LSS is a diverse group of college and university presidents and chancellors who have
committed to making their institutions learning environments where Latino students thrive. They
are part of the Excelencia in Action network and collaborate with Excelencia to leverage
collective expertise and resources, foster partnerships, and amplify current efforts at the
national level.
There are 19 P4LSS in Texas:
Institution Name
President
Chancellor
Alamo Colleges District
Michael Flores
Amarillo College
Russell Lowery-Hart
Austin Community College District
Richard M. Rhodes
El Paso Community College
William Serrata
Northwest Vista College
Ric Neal Baser
San Antonio College
Robert Vela
South Texas College
David Plummer (Interim)
Temple College
Christina Ponce
Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi
Kelly M. Miller
Texas State University
Denise M. Trauth
Texas Tech University
Lawrence Schovanec
Texas Woman’s University
Carine M. Feyten
University of St. Thomas, Houston
Richard L. Ludwick
University of Texas, Arlington
Teik C. Lim
University of Texas, Austin
Jay Hartzell
University of Texas, El Paso
Heather Wilson
University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley
Guy Bailey
University of Texas, San Antonio
Taylor Eighmy
University of the Incarnate Word
Thomas Evans
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