Fresno State is one of 24 colleges and universities across the country supporting the release of a research compilation from Excelencia in Education. Its goal is to accelerate Latino student success.

“Latinos in Higher Education: 2024 Compilation of Fast Facts” represents a series of fact sheets containing an array of information on the profile of Latino students and their journeys to and through college.

The analysis shows that:
● Latinos are more likely to be the first in their family to attend college and to receive the federal Pell Grant than any other group, though they are less likely to take out student loans.
● Latinos also have the highest labor force participation, but are more likely to be represented in occupations with lower salaries.
● Institutions enrolling Latinos are predominantly Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), like Fresno State, representing 20% of colleges and universities yet educating 63% of all Latinos in the nation.

Fresno State is one of only 39 colleges and universities to have earned the Seal of Excelencia, a national certification for institutions that strive to go beyond enrollment to intentionally serve Latino students. Seal-certified institutions represent less than 1% of colleges and universities yet enroll 15% and graduate 17% of all Latino students.

In addition, President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval belongs to Excelencia’s national network of Presidents for Latino Student Success (P4LSS), composed of over 190 postsecondary leaders from 27 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. Together, colleges and universities in the network are transforming higher education. The P4LSS network represents only 6% of institutions yet enrolls 33% and graduates 35% of all Latino students.

“Excelencia brings this analysis to the public with support from 24 college and university presidents and chancellors who have earned the Seal of Excelencia and serve as national leaders for Latino student success,” said Sarita Brown, co-founder and president of Excelencia. “We are honored to make common cause to assert that increasing the numbers of Latinos that earn college degrees is essential for ensuring America’s bright future.”

Learn more about “Latinos in Higher Education: 2024 Compilation of Fast Facts.