What is a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI)?

We hear from many families wanting to learn about the resources available to minority students starting the college search. Many students don’t know about the countless schools that exist to support minority students. Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI) are just one of the many types of colleges out there.

Hispanic Serving Institutions are colleges and universities that are formally recognized for their commitment to serving the Hispanic population. At these colleges, Hispanic students will find themselves surrounded by peers and supported with quality resources as they pursue a higher education. To learn more, don’t miss this post.

What is a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI)?

The White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics recognizes Hispanic Serving Institutions as accredited colleges or universities with an enrollment of full-time undergraduate students that consists of at least 25% Hispanic students. Recognized HSIs are then eligible for federal grants to help them further support the Hispanic population.   

Specific grants are also available for schools that seek to gain recognition as an HSI. Formally referred to as Developing Hispanic Serving Institutions (DHSI), these schools can attain grants to expand their educational opportunities for Hispanic students. Grants are also intended to broaden academic offerings, increase program quality, and build institutional stability of the colleges and universities that educate many Hispanic students.

What Colleges are HSIs?

What Do High Schoolers Need to Know About HSIs?

As you consider HSIs in your college search, you should recognize that the designation as an HSI does more than just identify schools that serve a large population of Hispanic students. Colleges and universities recognized as HSIs garner increased funding to provide academic and social support for Hispanic students, and are committed to fostering a positive campus racial climate.

You might be wondering if there’s any evidence HSIs actually makes a difference. The answer is a resounding yes, at least as far as graduation outcomes go. A 2017 report from Higher Ed Today noted that 74.1% of full-time students at public four-year HSIs and 77.9% of full-time students at private HSIs graduate within six years, compared to the federal graduation rates of 42.7% and 49.1%, respectively.

The same article notes, however, that while graduation statistics are undeniably positive, the long-term outcomes of these students are unknown. There is currently no data to track the trajectory of these students upon graduation. Still, there is no doubt that HSIs are a strong model for the active enrollment, service to, and ultimate graduation of a diverse student body.

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