What It Means at Chico State
At Chico State, being a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) means more than meeting an enrollment threshold. It reflects our commitment to intentionally creating the conditions where Latinx students—and all students—can thrive.
We understand an HSI as an institution that:
- Enrolls at least 25% Hispanic undergraduate students
- Advances equitable outcomes for Latinx students
- Cultivates an educationally affirming, culturally responsive, and welcoming learning environment
Adapted from the scholarship of García, G. A. (2017). "Defined by outcomes or culture? Constructing an organizational identity for Hispanic-serving institutions."American Educational Research Journal, 54(1 Suppl.), 111S–134S.
Federal definitions identify who we enroll. At Chico State, being a Latinx-serving institution reflects how we intentionally serve students and continuously strengthen our institution in support of student success.
Federal Definition
Under the Higher Education Opportunity Act (2008), a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) is an accredited, degree-granting public or private nonprofit institution of higher education with at least 25% Hispanic undergraduate full-time equivalent (FTE) student enrollment.
Institutions must also meet additional eligibility requirements to compete for federal Title III and Title V HSI grant funding.
Chico State's HSI Journey
- Met the federal HSI enrollment threshold in Fall 2014
- Became eligible to compete for federal Title III and Title V HSI grant programs in Fall 2015
HSIs by the Numbers
HSIs play a vital role in educating Latino students across the nation. According to the 2026 Hispanic-Serving Institutions Factbook published by Excelencia in Education:
National Impact
- 631 HSIs nationwide
- HSIs enroll 65% of all Latino undergraduates
- HSIs award 67% of bachelor's degrees earned by Latino students
California
- 27.7% of all HSIs are located in California
- Every California State University (CSU) is an HSI
- More than 90% of California Community Colleges are HSIs
Emerging and Graduate HSIs
- 276 Graduate HSIs (gHSIs) offer graduate programs
- 427 Emerging HSIs (eHSIs) have Hispanic/Latino undergraduate enrollment between 15% and 24.9%
Source: Excelencia in Education. (2026). Hispanic-Serving Institutions: 2026 Factbook. Washington, D.C.: Excelencia in Education.
Learn more about Hispanic-Serving Institutions and national trends by visiting Excelencia's HSI research site.
Analysis is based on the most recent publicly available data from the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), including the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
