Minority-serving institutions are colleges and universities that the federal government recognizes for their history or for the students they enroll. A Hispanic-Serving Institution, or HSI, is an accredited, nonprofit, degree-granting college where at least a quarter of full-time equivalent undergraduates are Hispanic. The label describes enrollment, not who can attend: students of every background enroll at HSIs.
The main types of minority-serving institutions
Some designations come from a college’s founding and history; others are based on current enrollment.
Defined by history or charter
- Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Colleges founded before 1964 whose principal mission was the education of Black Americans. Because it rests on history, it does not depend on current enrollment. See choosing an HBCU.
- Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs). Colleges chartered or controlled by tribal nations, often located on or near reservations.
Defined by enrollment
- Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). Based on the share of Hispanic undergraduates, as described above.
- Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions.
- Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions.
- Predominantly Black Institutions and Native American-Serving Nontribal Institutions.
Enrollment-based designations usually also look at how many students have financial need, and a college must apply to be recognized. Because they depend on enrollment, a college can gain or lose a designation as its student body changes. Some colleges hold more than one.
What an HSI designation means, and what it does not
- It is about eligibility for certain federal grants. Colleges with the designation can compete for grant programs that may fund tutoring centers, advising, transfer pathways or new academic programs. Federal funding for some of these programs has changed in recent years, so ask whether a program is still running before counting on it.
- It is not an admission category. HSIs admit students of all backgrounds, and the designation does not create a separate admission track.
- It covers many kinds of colleges. HSIs include community colleges, regional public universities, private nonprofits and large research universities.
- It does not, by itself, tell you about quality. Judge each college on its own outcomes and support, as you would any other.
How these designations might matter for students
For some students the designation is a starting point for questions that matter in any college search:
- Support programs. Grant-funded tutoring, mentoring or summer bridge programs may be available. Ask whether they still run and who is eligible.
- Community. Seeing peers and faculty with shared backgrounds can make the move from high school to college feel less isolating for some students.
- Family outreach. Some colleges offer orientation sessions or materials in more than one language, which can help parents of first-generation students.
- Cost and location. Many HSIs are public institutions close to home, which can keep costs down. Review aid with our financial aid basics.
Community colleges and the transfer path
Many HSIs are community colleges, and for a lot of students that is where the designation shows up first. A student who starts at a two-year HSI and plans to transfer should ask the same questions any transfer student asks: which credits move, which agreements exist with four-year colleges and how transfer students are supported once they arrive. Our guides to community college vs university and transfer agreements walk through the details. Rules differ by state and college, so confirm with the advising office at both schools.
Questions to ask on a visit
- What share of students graduate within four and six years, and how do first-year students fare?
- What advising, tutoring and mentoring programs exist, and how do students sign up?
- How are first-generation and transfer students supported?
- What does the full cost look like after grants and scholarships?
- Where do graduates work or continue their education?
Our guides to college visits and building a college list can help you compare options side by side.
Where a mentor helps
Whatever kind of college a student chooses, the first year is where plans get tested. A mentor meets weekly by video, helps the student find and use the support programs their college offers, and keeps a routine for classes, deadlines and finances. With permission, parents get updates. A mentor is not an admissions counselor or financial aid adviser. Learn about college transition mentoring.
Related
- First-generation college students
- Public vs private college
- College success guides
- All education guides
- Service Academy Applications: Nominations and Timeline
- Graduate School Application Timeline: When to Start
Common questions
Can non-Hispanic students attend an HSI?
Yes. An HSI designation describes the student body; it does not limit who can apply or enroll.
Is an HBCU also a minority-serving institution?
Yes. HBCUs are one type of minority-serving institution, defined by their founding history rather than current enrollment.
How can I find out if a college is an HSI?
Ask the admissions office, or check the college’s website and federal education resources. Because designations depend on enrollment, confirm that the status is current.
Do minority-serving institutions offer special scholarships?
Some do, and some students find scholarships through outside organizations. Ask the financial aid office what is available and who qualifies.
Get started
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