UC San Diego has made great strides toward becoming a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI). With 23% full-time Latinx undergraduate student enrollment as of fall 2020, we are considered an Emerging HSI. This puts us close to our goal of at least 25% full-time Latinx undergraduate enrollment, making us eligible for HSI designation by the U.S. Department of Education.
Additionally, as a renowned research institution with a strong STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) focus, UC San Diego aims to become a model STEM HSI.
The work associated with pursuing the HSI designation has been forged by students, staff, faculty, and community members who, over the decades since UC San Diego opened its doors, took formative steps on our journey to ensure that our campus is accessible to all and that support is available to students to achieve their dreams. We acknowledge and thank those student activists, committed community members, and fearless faculty whose work and dedication has enabled our institution to intentionally and collectively work towards becoming an HSI.
As designated by the U.S. Department of Education, an HSI is one that enrolls a minimum of 25% full-time undergraduate Latinx students. Once designated as an HSI, UC San Diego will be eligible for grants to expand educational opportunities for Latinx students. These grants enable HSI campuses to expand and enhance academic offerings and strengthen student services and programs that increase retention and graduation.
In addition to federal resources, HSI status helps us create a more welcoming and inclusive campus culture, making our institution more attractive to potential high-achieving Latinx students.
You can read more about the HSI program and its benefits at the U.S. Department of Education's Hispanic-Serving Institutions webpage.
California is changing. Currently, its population is 39% Latinx. Its K-12 student population is 55% Latinx.
UC San Diego is committed to reflecting California's diversity and dynamic cultural heritage. To do so, we are working to transforming UC San Diego into a student-centered university for the success of current and future Latinx students.
UC San Diego is where generations rise—when one generation succeeds, the entire family benefits. We, as a university, are invested in families and communities.