Latine College Success Map
In order to provide potential Latino students and their families with the necessary information to make informed decisions about college, we have established a set of health indicators that evaluate the effectiveness of institutions in serving the Latino community. Herein, we present the rationale for the chosen health indicators for the Latino College Success Map.
1. HSI (Hispanic Serving Institution) Status
An HSI is an institution where at least 25% of full-time undergraduate students are Hispanic. Recognizing HSI status is important because these institutions have a proven commitment to serving the Latino community and are more likely to provide support, resources, and culturally competent services that facilitate Latino student success.
2. Tuition Below $12,000
The financial burden of higher education can be a significant barrier for many Latino families, especially first-generation students. By focusing on institutions with tuition fees below $12,000, we prioritize affordability and reduce the risk of excessive debt. The threshold is based on the typical amount a first-generation student might be able to afford without accruing debt, considering financial aid.
3. Latino Enrollment Above 25%
An institution with a substantial Latino student body can offer a more inclusive and understanding environment. A higher concentration of Latino students often means that there is a greater institutional commitment to meeting their specific needs, from offering bilingual services to having cultural events that celebrate Latino heritage.
4. Latino Graduation Rates Above 50%
A rate above 50% indicates that the majority of Latino students who start their college journey at that institution are likely to finish, which can be attributed to adequate support and resources tailored to their needs.
5. Latino Percentage of All Graduates Within 5 Percentage Points of Enrollment Percentage
To ensure there's no significant disparity between enrollment and graduation rates for Latino students, this measure acts as a safeguard. If the percentage of Latino graduates is much lower than the enrollment rate, it could suggest potential challenges or obstacles specific to Latino students at that institution.
By considering these five health indicators, the Latino College Success Map provides a holistic view of institutions that are best suited for Latino students. It balances affordability, institutional commitment to Latino students, and actual outcomes in terms of graduation rates. This map will empower Latino students and their families to make informed choices about higher education, ensuring a brighter future for the community as a whole. By meeting 5/5 criteria, we considered these Firme-recommended schools (Green) and 4/5 qualified as emerging Firme-recommended (Orange). Schools outside of these criteria do not qualify as Firme-recommended schools. (Red & Yellow)