Best Hispanic Serving Institutions in Florida

Hispanic Serving Institutions provide additional support to Hispanic college students. Explore the best HSIs in Florida.
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  • Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI) are accredited colleges where Hispanic students make up at least 25% of the enrolled study body.
  • HSIs have many educational benefits, including access to Hispanic-targeted resources and funding opportunities.
  • Some students prefer the social and cultural connections that come with attending an HSI.

Not all colleges are considered Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs). In fact, HSI is a federal classification defined by the Department of Education.

What exactly is an HSI? In order to be an HSI, the college must be an eligible institution, and Hispanic students must make up at least 25% of the enrolled student body. As a result, HSIs often provide academic and student-life support services aimed at assisting Hispanic students in particular.

HSIs are impactful in recruiting and retaining Hispanic students. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), 36% of Hispanic 18-24-year-olds enroll in college, compared to 64% of Asian young adults and 41% of white young adults.

The number of recognized HSIs is growing, and these institutions continue to support Hispanic students and increase the number of Hispanic graduates.

8 Best HSIs in Florida

How We Rank Schools

At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you can make. 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. To rank HSIs in Florida, we used the average amount of federal student loans awarded to undergraduate students instead of the default rate. We hope our approach helps you find the school that is best for you.

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. from our partners. We use publicly available provisional datasets from Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) to inform the data for these schools. All data is current as of the date this article was published. Program-specific information may vary.

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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#1 Best Hispanic Serving Institutions in Florida

University of Miami

  • Coral Gables, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Located in a suburb of Miami, the University of Miami is a private university with around 12,500 enrolled students. 26% of students enrolled identify as Hispanic or Latino. Tuition costs for an undergraduate degree are $950 per credit hour. 

Students can find many cultural clubs and organizations. The University of Miami's Latin American and Caribbean student organizations boasts over 15 student clubs, including the Alliance of Latin American Students and the Latin Leadership Council. 

The average annual net price of tuition is $36,467.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$52,080
Out-of-state
$52,080
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$39,060
Out-of-state
$39,060
ROI Score

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.

Our Methodology
Medium
Retention Rate
91%
Admission Rate
33%
Students Enrolled
17,809
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
33% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Best Hispanic Serving Institutions in Florida Best Value

University of Central Florida

  • Orlando, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The University of Central Florida is a public research college located in Orange County. With over 58,700 enrolled undergraduate students, the large college offers 220 degree programs, with in-person and online options. 

One of UCF's 5 pillars is inclusive excellence. The university is frequently recognized for its work with minority student groups. In 2021, UCF was awarded the Seal of Excelencia from Excelencia in Education — only 1 of 10 schools granted this award for the programs in place for Hispanic students.

At the end of the 2022-2023 academic year, 57% of UCF students graduated with no educational debt. Undergraduate students pay $212 per credit in tuition and fees.

The average annual net price of tuition is $13,108.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,478
Out-of-state
$19,810
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$6,916
Out-of-state
$25,759
ROI Score

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.

Our Methodology
High
Retention Rate
92%
Admission Rate
45%
Students Enrolled
71,881
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
9% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Best Hispanic Serving Institutions in Florida Best Value

Florida International University

  • Miami, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Focusing on innovation, Florida International University is a public research college located in Miami-Dade County. The student body includes students from 142 different countries, making FIU a diverse school. FIU was 1 of 10 schools awarded the Seal of Excelencia for colleges that serve Hispanic students. 

Furthermore, FIU consistently ranks as one of Florida's top colleges for the number of enrolled Hispanic students and the number of Hispanic students who graduate with a bachelor's degree. Hispanic students make up 64% of enrolled students at FIU.

The cost of tuition is $205 per credit hour for in-state residents. The average annual net price of tuition is $9,881.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,721
Out-of-state
$16,529
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,912
Out-of-state
$21,393
ROI Score

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.

Our Methodology
High
Retention Rate
91%
Admission Rate
58%
Students Enrolled
58,836
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
86% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Best Hispanic Serving Institutions in Florida Best Value

Florida Atlantic University

  • Boca Raton, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

A member of the State University System of Florida, Florida Atlantic University is a public research college located in Boca Raton. Hispanic students make up 26% of the total enrolled student body.

FAU has a designated HSI interest group that is designed to ensure the success of Hispanic and Latino/a students within the college. The group also has a list of resources and agencies for Hispanic students, as well as funding opportunities.

FAU is known for hosting weeklong events for National Hispanic Heritage Month, including workshops and cultural experiences. 

Florida residents pay $203 per credit hour in tuition and fees. The average annual net price of tuition is $9,711.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$2,522
Out-of-state
$14,374
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$5,467
Out-of-state
$16,695
ROI Score

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.

Our Methodology
High
Retention Rate
82%
Admission Rate
75%
Students Enrolled
30,805
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
97% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#5 Best Hispanic Serving Institutions in Florida

Nova Southeastern University

  • Fort Lauderdale, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Nova Southeastern University, located in Fort Lauderdale, is a private research university. The university consists of 14 colleges based throughout Florida and Puerto Rico. 

Nova Southeastern University was ranked first for the largest private, not-for-profit HSI in the country. NSU participates in National Hispanic Heritage Month with month-long activities for students and the community. 

In 2021-22, 100% of full-time students enrolling for college for the first time received grants or scholarship aid. Thirty-one percent of full-time students are Hispanic. 

The average annual net price of tuition is $29,589.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$32,370
Out-of-state
$32,370
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$20,618
Out-of-state
$20,618
ROI Score

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.

Our Methodology
Medium
Retention Rate
80%
Admission Rate
76%
Students Enrolled
20,888
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
50% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#6 Best Hispanic Serving Institutions in Florida

Ana G. Mendez University

  • San Juan, PR
  • 4 years
  • Online

Ana G. Mendez University was founded to provide a well-rounded education for Hispanic students and students in other minority groups. The college offers academic programs in both English and Spanish, and also has a bilingual option.

Sixty-two percent of enrolled undergraduate students in the fall of 2022 identified as Hispanic or Latino/a at Ana G. Mendez University. Programs are offered online and in three locations throughout Florida. The cost per credit is $395 for an undergraduate degree.

The average annual net price of tuition is $17,726.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$5,700
Out-of-state
$7,800
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,800
Out-of-state
$10,500
ROI Score

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.

Our Methodology
Medium
Retention Rate
70%
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
2,505
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#7 Best Hispanic Serving Institutions in Florida

St. Thomas University

  • Miami Gardens, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

A private, not-for-profit college, St. Thomas University is a Catholic university located in Miami Gardens. With Hispanic and Latino/a students making up nearly 50% of the population, the university has many programs and organizations to support Hispanic students.

One grant program STU participates in is the Florida-Caribbean Consortium for Agriculture Education and Hispanic Workforce Development (FCCAgE). The federal program aims to help Hispanic students pursue education and careers in natural resources, agricultural science, and plant sciences.

STU offers a Hispanic Heritage Scholarship for Hispanic students. 100% of first-year students receive scholarships.

The average annual net price of tuition is $28,654.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$31,800
Out-of-state
$31,800
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$14,400
Out-of-state
$14,400
ROI Score

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.

Our Methodology
Medium
Retention Rate
49%
Admission Rate
60%
Students Enrolled
5,601
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
36% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#8 Best Hispanic Serving Institutions in Florida

Barry University

  • Miami, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Located in Miami, Barry University is a private liberal arts college that has a 15-to-1 student-to-instructor ratio. The college offers Hispanic-focused academic programs, including undergraduate majors in Spanish language and literature and Spanish translation and interpretation. Students can join clubs like the Latin American Student Association.

Barry University is a Catholic university with a Dominican heritage. The college is also known for its Institute for Hispanic/Latino Theology and Ministry. 

The average annual net price of tuition is $20,207.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$30,600
Out-of-state
$30,600
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$17,820
Out-of-state
$17,820
ROI Score

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.

Our Methodology
Medium
Retention Rate
68%
Admission Rate
65%
Students Enrolled
7,515
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
23% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Benefits of Attending an HSI

Attending an HSI can be extremely beneficial for Hispanic students, both socially and academically.

  • Specialized resources: Along with the typical academic resources available to students (tutoring, career services, academic advising, etc.), HSIs may also offer resources specifically designed for Hispanic students, including Spanish-language programs.
  • Connection: Because HSIs must meet a certain threshold for the number of Hispanic students, there is a higher chance you will be able to form connections with students of similar backgrounds and cultures.
  • Scholarship opportunities: Many HSIs offer scholarships for Hispanic students and other minority groups.
  • Inclusivity: At an HSI, you can find student organizations for Hispanic students and may find a higher number of cultural events.

5 Resources for Hispanic College Students in Florida

Hispanic Outreach Center

With a mission to help the Hispanic residents of Pinellas County, the Hispanic Outreach Center has resources and educational opportunities for people of all ages. Students can take advantage of English classes, interpreters, and legal workshops.

Hispanic Heritage Fund

The Hispanic Heritage Fund offers scholarships for Hispanic students in Central Florida. You will also have access to student workshops aimed to help students be successful in college and graduate with a degree.

Latino Leadership

Along with programs aimed to help further education and achieve financial stability, the Latino Leadership organization also provides technology access for students who need to fill out college- and scholarship applications.

Excelencia in Education

Students can become members of Excelencia in Education and receive access to a variety of resources as well as research. The group also provides numerous programs and network opportunities for Hispanic college students.

Hispanic Heritage Foundation

The goal of the Hispanic Heritage Foundation is to help Latino/as assist other Latino/as. They provide a scholarship fund for Hispanic students and focus on leadership in the community.