Every year in September, the US celebrates Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week to honor and uplift colleges and universities that excel in their support of Hispanic students. Higher education institutions gain HSI status when 25% of their undergraduate student body identifies as Hispanic or Latino, but many colleges go above and beyond this minimum classification to ensure the success of these students through programming and student life opportunities. Start exploring amazing HSIs with these schools in the midwestern and western US. You can request more information from any HSI below by clicking the green “Connect me” buttons.
Sources: All of the following colleges and universities are designated as HSIs by the Hispanic Association of Colleges & Universities. Additional information is derived from college and university websites, ColleXpress school profiles, and the National Center for Education Statistics.
Azusa Pacific University
Azusa Pacific University is a private comprehensive Christian university in Azusa, California. Ranked among “America’s Best Colleges,” APU offers 70 undergraduate major programs, financial aid for 100% of students, 20+ study abroad opportunities, 18 NCAA Division II athletic teams, and much more to 3,000 undergraduates. The University’s faculty scholars help students pursue research opportunities, serve in leadership roles, and explore their goals and aspirations for the future.
APU fast facts
- Undergraduate Hispanic enrollment: 37%
- Hispanic-serving organizations: Latin American Student Association, Multi-Racial Student Organization, Spanish Club, Third Culture Kids
- Resources for Hispanic student success: Multi-Ethnic Leadership Scholarship, Student Center for Reconciliation and Diversity, TRIO Upward Bound, Summer Bridge Program
Colorado State University Pueblo
Colorado State University Pueblo is a comprehensive public university in Pueblo, Colorado, at the base of the Rocky Mountains. From business and engineering to the health sciences and arts, CSU Pueblo offers 35 majors and 54 minors to undergraduate students, all supported by passionate faculty and small class sizes. There are endless opportunities to connect and grow on campus and off with over 100 clubs and organizations, including Greek life and intramural sports, and access to nearby hiking, skiing, rafting, and more.
CSU Pueblo fast facts
- Undergraduate Hispanic enrollment: 34%
- Hispanic-serving organizations: Society of Mexican-American Engineers & Scientists, Ballet Folklorico, Latino Students’ Union, Alpha Psi Lambda
- Resources for Hispanic student success: Hispanic-serving grants, TRIO Support Services, Educational Opportunity Center, First-Gen Mentoring Program, Educational Talent Search program (for Hispanic high school students), Upward Bound, The Career Center
Dominican University of California
Dominican University of California is a private, top-ranked non-profit university in San Rafael, California—just 12 miles north of San Francisco. Dominican offers a broad range of majors from health care and natural sciences to business and the arts, with 99% of students receiving financial aid and access to NCAA Division II athletics. The university emphasizes the "Dominican Experience," which provides every student with highly engaging personal coaching, mentoring, and opportunities for global learning and field research to ensure career readiness.
Dominican fast facts
- Undergraduate Hispanic enrollment: Approximately 35%–40% (within a 71% ethnically diverse student body)
- Hispanic-serving organizations: Diversity Action Group, La Vida Dominican, and The Torch Student Success Program
- Resources for Hispanic student success: First-Generation Student Services, Leadership, Education, and Development (LEAD) Program, International Student Ambassadors, Hispanic Heritage Month Celebrations
Mount Saint Mary’s University
Mount Saint Mary’s University is a Catholic liberal arts college for women in Los Angeles, California. Students can choose from more than 30 majors and nearly 50 minors, participate in study abroad and faculty research, and pursue other experiential learning opportunities. As the only women’s university in Los Angeles, MSMU offers its 2,600+ students the benefits of a major business district, entertainment venues, diverse learning, and a gorgeous landscape.
MSMU fast facts
- Undergraduate Hispanic enrollment: 56%
- Hispanic-serving organizations: Student Organization of Latinos, Caribbean Culture Club, Operation Mato Grosso
- Resources for Hispanic student success: Center for Student Diversity, Center for Student Engement, Student Success Coaches, Peer Leaders, Summit Scholars Program
North Park University
North Park University is a private comprehensive Christian university in Chicago, Illinois. NPU’s 3,200 students are enrolled in more than 120 academic programs across seven colleges and schools in the sciences, humanities, business, and the arts. Designated as a College of Distinction, the University supports student success through a 15:1 student-faculty ratio; an average class size of 17; rigorous programs in popular fields such as business, nursing, biology, and exercise science; and more.
NPU fast facts
- Undergraduate Hispanic enrollment: 33%
- Hispanic-serving organizations: Latin American Student Association, Rising DREAMers United, Latinas Unidas, First Gen Club, Association of Latino Professionals for America
- Resources for Hispanic student success: The Office of Diversity and Intercultural Life, Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations, COMPASS Cohort Program, Office of Intercultural Student Affairs
Vanguard University of Southern California
Vanguard University of Southern California is a Christian liberal arts university in Costa Mesa, California—45 miles east of Los Angeles. With 2,200 total students and a student-faculty ratio of 16:1, students can choose from 23 majors, some with concentration options, as well as eight minors. At Vanguard, 98% of students receive financial aid—including 90% receiving academic scholarships—and those who commute are ensured a full campus life through commuter-life programming and designated staff and student leaders.
Vanguard fast facts
- Undergraduate Hispanic enrollment: 48%
- Hispanic-serving organizations: El Puente, First 2 VU, Peacemakers, Society for Advancement for Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science, The Mix Club
- Resources for Hispanic student success: Jesse Miranda Center for Hispanic Leadership, Student leadership training, Intercultural Student Programs, The University Diversity Council, The HSI Council
Learn more about HSI Week with our article on How to Celebrate and Honor Hispanic–Serving Institutions Week, and continue celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month by reading more content with our special tag.
