Best Colleges for Hispanic Students
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Founded in 1986, the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) works to formally recognize campuses committed to higher education access and success within Hispanic communities. Today, the group maintains a membership network of more than 500 colleges and universities designated as Hispanic-serving institutions (HSIs).
To be an HSI, an institution must have an undergraduate enrollment that is at least 25% Hispanic. These institutions usually offer supportive academic and student life resources developed especially for Latino/a and Hispanic students while also celebrating these cultures. Keep reading to learn about some of the country's top HSIs and learn about the value of these important institutions.
Why Attend a Hispanic-Serving Institution?
Attending a Hispanic-serving institution offers many benefits for Hispanic students, ranging from academic support and cultural representation to resources and advocacy. We review three of these benefits below.
Academic Support
HSIs offer dedicated academic support to Hispanic students, such as customized orientations, advising, and translation services for students and their families. This kind of tailored support can be crucial to ensure Latino/a retention in college. In a study conducted by the Postsecondary National Policy Institute, HSIs maintained a substantially higher retention rate of Hispanic students than non-Hispanic-serving institutions did.
Cultural Representation
HSIs provide a unique culture that advances Hispanic achievement and provides resources specific to this population. HSI students can find plenty of tailored clubs and organizations, Hispanic or bilingual professors, and events celebrating their history and heritage. The best HSIs will also make an effort to recruit and hire Latino/a faculty and staff.
Workforce Preparation
A report by Excelencia in Education details how HSIs focus on integrated workforce preparation, including experiential learning experiences that help Hispanic students gain the tools and skills needed to find a job after graduating. Many also work with local employers to provide internship and networking opportunities.
Best Hispanic-Serving Institutions of 2023
How We Rank Schools
At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you can make for yourself. We want to help you navigate the college selection process by offering transparent, inclusive, and relevant school rankings.
Our rankings are grounded in a few guiding principles and use the latest statistical data available from trusted sources. Read our ranking methodology. We hope our approach helps you find the school that's best for you.
We ranked the U.S.’s nearly 300 accredited four-year Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) by academics to bring you this list of the best colleges for Hispanic students.
These rankings were compiled by our
BestColleges Ranking Team
and include
BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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The University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Texas at Austin qualified as an HSI in 2020 when its Hispanic learner enrollment exceeded 25% of all admitted students. The institution also maintained a four-year graduation rate above 70% for Hispanic students. UT Austin has several clubs devoted to its Latino/a students, including Latinx Community Affairs — which hosts the Latinx Leadership Summit and the Latinx Leadership Institute — and Adelante, a welcome-week event for incoming Hispanic learners.
Prospective and current students can take advantage of the university's Multicultural Engagement Center. This office provides advising, social justice education, outreach, conference rooms and common space, a lounge area, and a lending library.
ROI Value Score: High
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Hallmark University
San Antonio, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Located in San Antonio, Texas, Hallmark University operates as a private university that educates an average of 1,000 students annually. Of that population, almost 50% of students are Hispanic.
The institution offers both associate and bachelor's degrees in four primary areas: aeronautics, business, nursing, and information technology. All students enroll on a full-time basis. Graduate employment rates hover between 86% and 100%, depending on the chosen discipline.
Recognizing the needs of many learners, the institution provides support with things like childcare, transportation, housing, and counseling services. Learners can also join student veterans organizations representing all five branches of the armed forces.
ROI Value Score: High
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Florida International University
Miami, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
From its home base in Miami, Florida, Florida International University (FIU) educates more than 56,000 learners annually. It is considered among the top 10 largest research institutions in the country. As of 2023, 61% of FIU students identify as Hispanic.
Students can choose from a wide selection of clubs and organizations, including many catered specifically to Hispanic learners. These include the National Association of Hispanic Journalists, the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, the Venezuelan Student Alliance Club, and the Hispanic Law Student Association. Additionally, FIU has a Hispanic Faculty Association for professors.
ROI Value Score: High
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Pacific Oaks College
Pasadena, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Founded in 1945, Pacific Oaks College in Pasadena, California, is a small private institution. Based on Spring 2020 student data, nearly 50% of all learners identify as Latino/a or Hispanic. The school recently received a $2.5 million Title V Hispanic-Serving Institution grant, allowing it to increase support services for Hispanic students.
Some of the additions include bilingual staff, bilingual one-to-one tutoring and mentorship, a lending library providing textbooks and laptops, and professional development workshops and cultural events. The Center for Achievement, Resources, and Enrichment (CARE) also provides tailored resources to help students from various backgrounds thrive.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico-Miami
Miami, FL - 4 years
- Online
The Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico maintains several campuses, including one in Miami. With a focus on providing a technical education, the institution offers undergraduate and graduate programs in business administration, organizational management, computer science, and engineering management.
During the most recently surveyed academic year, the institution served 137 students, 97% of whom identified as Hispanic or Latino/a. A popular destination for non-traditional learners, approximately 92% of students are aged 25 and over.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
University of California-Irvine
Irvine, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of California, Irvine celebrated five years as a Hispanic-serving institution in 2023. Latino/a students make up a quarter of the student population at UCI. UCI is also a founding member of the Hispanic-Serving Research Universities alliance, which aims to double the number of Latino/a doctoral students and increase the number of Latino/a professors.
UC Irvine has a Latinx Resource Center, which regularly hosts cultural events, offers a weekly social event known as Spanish Hour, and promotes efforts to increase retention and empower higher graduation rates among Chicano/a and Latino/a learners. Students can also choose from many Hispanic-specific clubs and organizations, including Latinos/as for Community Medicine and Latinos/as in Science & Engineering.
ROI Value Score: High
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Texas A&M University
College Station, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Founded in 1876, Texas A&M University's campus in College Station, Texas, serves nearly 75,000 students each year. Approximately 22% of learners are first-generation students, and Hispanic learners make up approximately 25% of the student body.
The university maintains the Hispanic Network, an advocacy and support group offering plenty of opportunities for involvement. Hispanic learners can also choose from many different clubs and organizations, including the Brazilian Student Association, Columbian Student Organization, Hispanic Studies Association, Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Latino Logradores, and Latinx Graduate Student Association.
ROI Value Score: High
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The largest institution in Florida based on enrollment, the University of Central Florida serves nearly 70,000 students per year at its campus near Orlando. In 2022, UCF enrolled its most diverse study body yet, with 28% of learners –— or nearly 20,000 students — identifying as Hispanic. Ninety-three percent of learners at UCF hail from Florida.
UCF first gained status as an HSI in 2017. Today, the school offers several services for Hispanic students, including a minor in Latin American Studies, mentoring and advisory programs, and student organizations such as the Cuban-American Student Association, Juntos Latino Leadership Council, Latin Rhythm, and the Spanish Graduate Association.
ROI Value Score: High
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
University of California-Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA - 4 years
- Campus
The University of California, Santa Barbara enrolled more than 26,000 undergraduate and graduate learners for the 2022-2023 academic year. Chicano/a and Latino/a students account for 27% of the student body.
The Chicanx/Latinx Cultural Resource Center offers myriad support services and resources, including a rotating series of events across the school year. Student organizations catering to Hispanic and Latino/s learners include Cotillion Dance Club, Decolonizing Our Lives Project, El Congreso, Hermanos Unidos, Latino Business Association, and the Society for Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science.
ROI Value Score: High
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
San Diego State University
San Diego, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Founded as a public research institution in 1897, San Diego State University now educates over 35,000 students and offers over 200 degree programs. According to a 2020 report, 30% of undergraduate students identify as Hispanic, along with 28% of graduate students. At the SDSU Imperial Valley campus, 91% of students are Hispanic or Latino/a.
The university's Latinx Resource Center provides a full calendar of events, including celebrations around Latino/a Heritage Month. Popular student organizations include the Hispanic Business Student Association, Association of Latino Professionals for America, and the Latino Student Social Work Association.
ROI Value Score: High
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.

5 Resources for Hispanic College Students
- Hispanic Scholarship Fund: HSF offers several scholarships each academic year, ranging from $500 to $5,000. The group also provides resources and support services to help Hispanic students and their families navigate higher education.
- League of United Latin American Citizens: LULAC offers a range of scholarships to help undergraduate and graduate Hispanic students find the funding needed to earn degrees.
- Association of Latino Professionals for America: ALPFA provides membership to students and professionals alike, offering access to job boards, programming, events, resources, and funding opportunities.
- Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers: As the nation's largest professional body devoted to Hispanic STEM professionals, SHPE provides members access to internships, mentorships, scholarships, career services and other resources.
- National Society of Hispanic MBAs: With chapters located across the country, NSHMBA advocates for educational access while providing opportunities for professional advancement.


Frequently Asked Questions About Colleges for Hispanic Students
Which colleges are Hispanic/Latino/a-friendly?
Many colleges feature a diverse student population and provide services and support for learners from all backgrounds. However, due to their large Hispanic representation, HSIs tend to offer more specialized services, programs, and events to Hispanic and Latino/a students. Prospective students can locate HSIs in HACU's database.
Are there any Hispanic-only colleges?
While many schools feature a predominantly Hispanic population, no schools restrict access to other races and ethnicities. However, in many schools in Puerto Rico, such as the University of Puerto Rico Arecibo, Hispanic students make up 100% of the student population, according to Excelencia in Education, a nonprofit research organization that aims to "accelerate Latino student success in higher education.
What university has the largest Hispanic population?
Florida International University boasts the largest population of Hispanic learners in the U.S.with more than 32,000 Hispanic students out of 45,400 undergraduate students.