Hispanic-serving Institutions (HSIs) are a vital part of the landscape of higher education in the United States. These institutions play a critical role in serving Hispanic students, yet understanding exactly what defines an HSI can be nuanced. This article clarifies the definitions of Hispanic-Serving Institutions, particularly focusing on the criteria established by the Higher Education Act and the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU).
Federal Definition of Hispanic-Serving Institutions
The official definition of an HSI stems from Title V of the Higher Education Act. According to this federal legislation, a Hispanic-Serving Institution is a not-for-profit college, university, or higher learning institution where the full-time equivalent (FTE) undergraduate student enrollment is at least 25 percent Hispanic. This definition is crucial because it determines eligibility for specific federal funding opportunities designed to support these institutions and their students.
The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU), a leading voice for HSIs, utilizes this federal definition for its advocacy and research efforts. In response to HACU’s advocacy, the U.S. Department of Education now publishes a list of eligible HSIs. This list, available on the Department of Education’s website, serves as a resource for institutions seeking to compete for HSI-related federal grants.
HACU also publishes its own list of HSIs, adhering to the federal definition and using data from the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). This list is meticulously compiled, including only non-profit institutions eligible for Title IV federal student financial aid. To accurately determine Hispanic enrollment percentage, HACU calculates the undergraduate full-time equivalent (FTE) enrollment by race/ethnicity and then determines the Hispanic FTE enrollment for each institution, ensuring that only institutions meeting the 25.0% Hispanic FTE threshold are included.
HACU Membership Definition of HSIs
While HACU uses the federal definition for advocacy, it employs a slightly different definition for its membership criteria. For HACU membership, HSIs are defined more broadly as colleges, universities, or systems/districts where the total Hispanic enrollment constitutes a minimum of 25% of the total headcount enrollment.
This “total enrollment” encompasses both full-time and part-time students at the undergraduate and graduate levels, providing a more inclusive measure for membership purposes. Member institutions self-report their enrollment statistics to HACU for the fall semester preceding the membership year. HACU’s website maintains a directory of its HSI member institutions, reflecting this broader definition.
Understanding HSI Eligibility for Funding
It’s important to note that being listed as an HSI by HACU, under either definition, does not automatically “certify” an institution as an HSI for Title V or other federal grant purposes. Title V eligibility is determined by the U.S. Department of Education as a primary step in the Title V grant application process. To be eligible for Title V, an institution must meet two key criteria: (1) a full-time equivalent (FTE) enrollment of undergraduate students that is at least 25 percent Hispanic students, and (2) not less than 50 percent of all students are eligible for need-based Title IV aid.
This eligibility designation opens doors for institutions of higher education to receive grants under Title V and Title III, Part A, Programs, provided they meet other program-specific requirements. Title V specifically authorizes the Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions Program, while Title III, Part A, supports programs like Strengthening Institutions and those serving Native American and Native Hawaiian communities. Both programs are administered by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Institutional Development and Undergraduate Education Service, which offers further information on its website.
The Role of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU)
Founded in 1986, the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) is a leading organization representing over 500 colleges and universities across the United States, Latin America, Spain, and school districts in the U.S. HACU plays a pivotal role in advocating for HSIs and providing programs and services to students, faculty, and staff at its member institutions. With its headquarters in San Antonio, Texas, and regional offices in key locations, HACU serves as a central resource and advocate for the advancement of Hispanic higher education.
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