Best Hispanic Serving Institutions 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.
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data
and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
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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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.
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 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.
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
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
