Why more colleges are seeking Hispanic-serving institution status

Higher Ed Dive

Danielle McLean

December 2, 2024

The coveted designation unlocks federal grants and signals a commitment to underrepresented students, though institutions face challenges getting there.

Milwaukee Area Technical College is on the brink of joining the nation’s growing list of Hispanic-serving institutions, a coveted designation that opens the door to new federal funding.

Colleges achieve the federally designated HSI status when at least 25% of their full-time undergraduate students are Hispanic and at least half of their undergraduates qualify for need-based aid from the U.S. Department of Education.

Institutions are considered emerging HSIs when between 15% to 24% of their full-time undergraduate students are Hispanic — a sign they are on their way to reaching the coveted designation.

As the nation’s Hispanic population grew in recent decades, so too has the number of designated HSIs. Many colleges are striving to obtain this designation — and the greater access to federal grants and the reputational boost that can come with it.

When colleges become HSIs, they can get access to federal funding set aside for these institutions that allow them to expand academic programs, improve student services, train faculty and construct or renovate instructional facilities, among other benefits.

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