Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) represent a vital component of the educational landscape in the United States. These institutions are uniquely positioned to serve minority populations, playing a crucial role in fulfilling national educational objectives and fostering diversity within various sectors. The U.S. Department of Education actively partners with MSIs, recognizing their significance in cultivating talent and expanding opportunities for underrepresented students. This partnership manifests through diverse avenues, including in-kind services, volunteer initiatives, strategic hiring practices, and the provision of grants and contracts.
MSIs are defined as higher education institutions with a core mission of serving minority student populations. This broad category encompasses a diverse array of institutions, each with its own distinct characteristics and operational context. MSIs can be found in varied settings, from remote rural areas to bustling urban centers. Their histories also differ significantly; some are relatively new, while others boast a legacy spanning over a century, consistently dedicated to equipping students with the educational and social tools necessary to overcome societal barriers like racial discrimination and limited economic prospects.
Over the past two decades, Presidential Executive Orders and specific legislative measures have facilitated increased access for MSIs to Department of Education funding and resources. These initiatives are designed to directly benefit MSI students and the communities they serve. The Department of Education provides a comprehensive list of postsecondary institutions recognized as MSIs due to their significant enrollment of undergraduate minority students, available at U.S. Department of Education’s list of postsecondary institutions enrolling populations with significant minority students.
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are a distinguished subset of MSIs. These institutions, numbering 102 (91 four-year and 17 two-year), were established before 1964 with the primary objective of providing higher education to African-American students. Geographically, the majority of HBCUs are located in the Southeastern United States, including the District of Columbia and the Virgin Islands. Despite representing only 3% of all higher education institutions in the U.S., HBCUs demonstrate a remarkable impact. They enroll 16% of all African-American students in higher education and confer 24% of all bachelor’s degrees earned by African-Americans nationwide, highlighting their critical role in educating Black scholars and leaders.
Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs)
Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) constitute another significant category within MSIs. To be classified as an HSI, an accredited post-secondary institution must have a minimum of 25% of its total full-time undergraduate student body identifying as Hispanic. HSIs encompass both four-year and two-year institutions, spanning public and private sectors. These institutions are instrumental in Hispanic higher education, enrolling 40% of all Hispanic-American students pursuing higher education. Currently, there are 274 institutions recognized as HSIs based on the criteria established by the White House Initiative and the Department of Education. Further information can be found at the Department of Education’s White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics page.
Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs)
Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) hold a unique and vital position within the MSI landscape. The TCU movement began with the establishment of the first tribal college on the Navajo Nation, and these institutions now serve Native communities across the United States. The 35 public and private TCUs directly address the higher education needs of American Indians, often serving geographically isolated populations with limited access to post-secondary education. TCUs have become increasingly crucial in providing educational opportunities for Native American students, achieving substantial progress in a relatively short period and strengthening Native communities through education.
Asian American and Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AAPISIs)
Asian American and Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AAPISIs) are increasingly important MSIs, reflecting the rapid growth of the AAPI community in the U.S. Projections indicate that the AAPI population is expected to double by 2050, underscoring the critical role of AAPISIs in meeting the educational needs of this expanding demographic and contributing to national educational goals. Executive Order 13515, titled “Increasing Participation of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in Federal Programs” (Executive Order 13515), further emphasizes the federal commitment to supporting AAPIs through MSIs and other initiatives.
Expanding Partnerships and Resources
Beyond specific partnership agreements, the Department of Education is committed to collaborating with individual Minority Serving Institutions to achieve shared program objectives. For further information on MSIs and related programs, please visit the Department of Education’s Office of Postsecondary Education – Programs. This ongoing collaboration underscores the Department’s dedication to supporting MSIs and the diverse student populations they serve, ensuring equitable access to quality higher education and fostering a more inclusive and skilled workforce.
