HSIs

Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) are United States higher education institutions designated by the U.S. Department of Education as serving a substantial Hispanic undergraduate population. To qualify, an eligible, degree-granting institution must have undergraduate full-time equivalent enrollment that is at least 25 percent Hispanic and participate in federal student aid programs under Title IV. The designation recognizes institutions that enroll large shares of Hispanic students and may qualify for targeted federal support. HSIs are one of several groups known as minority-serving institutions (MSIs).

Designation is based on enrollment data and is reviewed periodically. Institutions that meet the threshold may be recognized as HSIs and can be public or private, including community colleges and four-year colleges and universities. The status is intended to reflect the student population served rather than the institution’s size or prestige.

HSIs may receive federal support through programs authorized by the Higher Education Act, most notably the Title V developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions program. These funds are intended to expand capacity, improve academic quality, and strengthen student services to improve recruitment, retention, and graduation rates for Hispanic students. In addition to grants, HSIs may pursue other federal, state, and private funding to support programs in areas such as STEM, teacher preparation, bilingual education, and college access.

Geographically, HSIs are found across the United States, though a large share are located in California, Texas, and other states with sizable Hispanic populations. They contribute to higher education access and attainment for Hispanic students and are part of broader efforts to promote equity and inclusion in higher education. Not all MSIs are HSIs, and some institutions hold multiple MSI designations.