Scholarships for Hispanic Students

This guide ranks affordable traditional and online colleges serving Hispanic students. Information on scholarships and resources is also provided.
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Updated September 14, 2023

AffordableCollegesOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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A Closer Look at
Hispanic Student Enrollment

About 75 percent of the Hispanic population is concentrated in California, Florida, Texas and a few other states, and many want to stay close to home when attending college. In fact, over half of all Latino undergraduate students in higher education are enrolled in just 11 percent of the institutions in the U.S. Many of these degree-granting institutions, those with at least 25 percent Hispanic undergraduate full-time enrollment, are classified by the U.S. Department of Education as Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs). HSIs can be two- or four -year institutions, and many offer online programs. In the 2011-12 academic year, more than 350 institutions were identified as HSIs.

What Makes a University an HSI?

  • School cannot be for-profit
  • Must have at minimum a two-year program leading to a degree
  • Must be accredited by an agency recognized by the Dept. of Education
  • Maintain high enrollment of needy students
  • 25% of the school's undergraduate full-time students must be Hispanic
  • Meet the Expert: With Margarita Barresi

    Portrait of Margarita Barresi

    Margarita Barresi

    Margarita Barresi was born and raised in Puerto Rico and studied at Boston University, where she was fortunate to be awarded financial aid. She writes frequently about higher education and financial aid topics, and has one daughter in college and another on the way.

    For the first time in our country's history, the majority of U.S. high school students headed to college are Hispanic. Latinos now represent about 17 percent of all college students, up from 11 percent in 2006, and according to the Pew Hispanic Center, more females than males are earning degrees.

    This shift in demographics presents a few unique challenges for students. Finding ways to make college affordable, such as finding scholarships and other educational resources is often a deciding factor in pursuing a degree. From tuition costs and room and board to lab fees and textbook costs, calculating the total cost of college is quite an undertaking for any student, regardless of ethnicity. Here, we address these concerns and guide students to solutions to finding the most affordable college options possible.

    Scholarships for Hispanic Students

    Scholarships and grants are an ideal way to help pay for tuition. They are essentially gifted funds based on financial need, cultural background, educational and civic achievements, athletic ability, hobbies, intended major, etc. Funds received do not have to be repaid, although some sources require students to give back to a community or organization as a condition of the scholarship or grant.

    There are many opportunities for Hispanic students, but the trick is knowing where to look for the right scholarship or grant. Though high school guidance counselors and college financial aid offices are a good place to start, it helps for students to do research outside as well:

    Business

    aicpa_logo

    AICPA Fellowship for Minority Doctoral Students

    Sponsoring organization:The American Institute of CPAs

    Amount:$12,000

    Application due date:�June 19

    In order to encourage minorities to become accounting professors, this scholarship is designed for students who are pursuing a doctorate in accounting. Applicants must have a master's degree in accounting or three years of work experience in the field.

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    GE/LNESC Scholarship

    Sponsoring organization:League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) and the GE Foundation

    Amount:$5,000

    Application due date:�August 10

    Students must be at least in their sophomore year of college and enrolled in an accredited business degree program. Applicants must have at least a 3.25 grade point average. This scholarship is also available to students enrolled in engineering programs.

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    Golden State Minority Foundation Scholarship

    Sponsoring organization:Golden State Minority Foundation

    Amount:$2,000

    Application due date:�April 1

    This scholarship is for students enrolled in a business degree program in southern California. Students must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0, and those who work more than 25 hours per week are not eligible to receive this award.

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    Lockheed Martin Scholarship Program

    Sponsoring organization:Hispanic College Fund (HCF)

    Amount:$500 to $5,000

    Application due date:�February 16

    This scholarship is for students enrolled in business, science or engineering degrees. To qualify, students must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0, maintain full-time student status, and demonstrate financial need.

    millercoors_logo

    MillerCoors National (Business)

    Sponsoring organization:Adelante Fund

    Amount:�$3,000, renewable

    Application due date:�July 3

    College juniors and seniors who are majoring in business disciplines such as general or international business, public relations, marketing, economics, finance, or sales may apply for this scholarship. In order to apply, candidates must have at least a 3.0 grade point average and be enrolled at a participating university on a full-time basis.

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    National Society of Hispanic MBAs Scholarship

    Sponsoring organization:National Society of Hispanic MBAs (NSHMBA)

    Amount:�$2,500 to $10,000

    Application due date:

    In order to promote Hispanics in business, this scholarship is designed for MBA students enrolled in an accredited business school on a full- or part-time basis. Eligibility requirements include maintaining at least a 3.0 grade point average and participation in an NSHMBA chapter.

    Computer Science

    aicpa_logo

    Alliance/Merck Ciencia Hispanic Scholars Program

    Sponsoring organization:National Alliance for Hispanic Health

    Amount:$2,000

    Application due date:�Spring, check site for details

    This award is for students enrolled in a technology-related bachelor's degree program. In order to qualify, applicants must be full-time students with a minimum 2.75 grade point average.

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    ESA Foundation Computer and Video Game Scholarship

    Sponsoring organization:Entertainment Software Association Foundation

    Amount:$3,000

    Application due date:�March 1-May 15

    Up to 30 scholarships are available to students who are interested in using their computer skills to create video games. Applicants must have a minimum 2.75 grade point average and plan on undertaking a career in computer and video game arts.

    lnesc_logo

    HENAAC Scholars Program

    Sponsoring organization:Great Minds in STEM

    Amount:$1,000 to $10,000

    Application due date:�April 30

    Awarding over $2.3 million in scholarship money to date, the HENAAC Scholarship Program is designed to encourage Hispanic students to earn STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) degrees, including those in computer science.

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    Technical Minority Scholarship

    Sponsoring organization:Xerox

    Amount:$1,000 to $10,000

    Application due date:�September 30

    Minority students studying a technical discipline on a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral level can apply for this scholarship. Applicants must have at least a 3.0 grade point average.

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    PO Pistilli Undergraduate Scholarship

    Sponsoring organization:The Design Automation Conference (DAC)

    Amount:$4,000

    Application due date:�Spring

    This scholarship is for students obtaining a degree in computer engineering or computer science. Eligibility requirements include a minimum grade point average of 3.0 and achievements in math and science courses.

    Education and Teaching

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    Frank Kazmierczak Memorial Migrant Scholarship

    Sponsoring organization:Kazmierczak Scholarship Committee

    Amount:$1,000

    Application due date:�February 1

    Named in honor of migrant educator Frank Kazmierczak, this scholarship is for education majors who are either migrant workers or the children of migrant workers. Applicants must submit a personal essay detailing why they want to become a teacher, as well as two letters of recommendation.

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    The Gates Millennium Scholarship

    Sponsoring organization:Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

    Amount:Varies

    Application due date:�January 14

    This scholarship is for students earning education, STEM, or public health degrees. Students must have a grade point average of at least 3.3 to be eligible for this award.

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    Minority Teacher Education Scholarship

    Sponsoring organization:Florida Fund for Minority Teachers (FFMT)

    Amount:$4,000

    Application due date:�July 1 and November 1

    The Minority Teacher Education Scholarship is for students enrolled in education degree programs in an FFMT-approved school in Florida. Students must have completed an associate's degree or 60 credit hours in order to qualify.

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    Minority Teachers of Illinois (MTI) Scholarship Program

    Sponsoring organization:Illinois Student Assistance Commission

    Amount:Up to $5,000 per year

    Application due date:�March 1

    Students in Illinois who plan to teach in the state may be able to receive funding from this program. Applicants must prove residency, maintain a 2.5 grade point average, and sign an agreement promising to teach at a public, private, or parochial school in Illinois.

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    Minority Teacher Scholarship

    Sponsoring organization:Indiana Commission for Higher Education

    Amount:Varies

    Application due date:�September 4

    Minority students attending an Indiana college or university to train for a teaching career may apply for this scholarship. Award criteria include state residency and a 2.0 minimum grade point average, and students must commit to working in the state upon graduation.

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    Minority Teaching Fellows Program

    Sponsoring organization:Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation

    Amount:$5,000

    Application due date:�April 15

    This scholarship is for students in Tennessee enrolled in an education degree program. In order to receive this award, students must attend school full-time and maintain a 2.5 grade point average. In addition, award recipients must commit to teaching at a Tennessee public school after graduation.

    Engineering

    aicpa_logo

    The Airport Minority Advisory Council Educational and Scholarship Program

    Sponsoring organization:The Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC)

    Amount:$2,000

    Application due date:�Fall

    AMAC awards scholarships to minority students enrolled in aviation-related degree programs, including engineering. Students must show activity in community and extracurricular activities and be citizens of the United States.

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    HSF/ General College Scholarships

    Sponsoring organization:Hispanic Scholarship Fund

    Amount:$500 to $5,000

    Application due date:�April

    This award is for students enrolled in STEM-related majors, such as engineering. High school applicants must have at least a 3.0 grade point average in order to be eligible for the scholarship, while current college students must earn at least a 2.5.

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    NACME Pre-Engineering Scholarship Program

    Sponsoring organization:National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering (NACME)

    Amount:$2,500

    Application due date:�March 15

    NACME awards this scholarship to high school seniors who will be majoring in engineering. Applicants must have at least a 3.0 grade point average and 1650 SAT score.

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    Rixio Medina & Associates Hispanics in Safety Scholarship

    Sponsoring organization:American Society of Safety Engineers

    Amount:$4,000

    Application due date:�March

    This scholarship is awarded to engineering students who are bilingual, and pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in occupational safety. Students attending an ASAC/ABET accredited safety program are preferred.

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    Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers Scholarships

    Sponsoring organization:Society of Professional Engineers (SHPE)

    Amount:�$1,000 to $5,000

    Application due date:�June 15

    SHPE provides scholarships for students enrolled in STEM majors based on financial need and merit.

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    UPS Scholarship for Minority Students

    Sponsoring organization:Institute of Industrial Engineers (IIE)

    Amount:$4,000

    Application due date:�November 15

    This award is for students enrolled in an industrial engineering program recognized by IIE.

    Math

    aicpa_logo

    Actuarial Diversity Scholarship

    Sponsoring organization:The Actuarial Foundation

    Amount:$1,000 to $4,000

    Application due date:�May 1

    This award is given to students who are studying mathematics in order to pursue an actuarial career.

    Nursing

    aicpa_logo

    Kaiser Permanente Scholarship

    Sponsoring organization:Hispanic College Fund

    Amount:$8,000

    Application due date:�February 23

    Northern California students can apply for the Kaiser Permanente Scholarship, which is awarded to nursing students at the college junior and senior level. The award is based on financial need and applicants must have a minimum 3.0 grade point average to qualify.

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    Minority Nurse Faculty Scholarship

    Sponsoring organization:American Association of Critical-Care Nurses

    Amount:�$18,000

    Application due date:�May 1

    Students earning a doctoral nursing degree with the intention of becoming a teacher may apply for this scholarship. Students must commit to teach post-graduation, and must be enrolled full-time in a program.

    lnesc_logo

    Minority Nurse Magazine Scholarship Program

    Sponsoring organization:Minority Nurse Magazine

    Amount:�$1,000 to $3,000

    Application due date:�May 1

    This award provides funding for students enrolled in a BSN or accelerated master's nursing program. Applicants must provide transcripts to prove they have at least a 3.0 grade point average, as well as letters of recommendation and a written statement summarizing goals and accomplishments.

    gsmf_logo

    NAHN Nursing Scholarships

    Sponsoring organization:National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN)

    Amount:Varies

    Application due date:�April 3

    The association provides scholarships to members enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate level nursing program. Applicants must be full-time students with a minimum 3.0 grade point average.

    Sciences

    aicpa_logo

    AMS Minority Scholarships

    Sponsoring organization:American Meteorological Society

    Amount:$3,000

    Application due date:�February 7

    In order to encourage minorities to enroll in atmospheric, oceanic and hydrologic sciences, the AMS offers a scholarship for undergraduate students.

    alpfa_logo

    Esperanza Scholarship

    Sponsoring organization:Esperanza

    Amount:�$1,500

    Application due date:�Varies

    This scholarship is awarded to science majors living in Cuyahoga and Lorain counties in Ohio. In addition, this award is available for students enrolled in math, computer science, business, or engineering degree programs.

    Graduate

    aicpa_logo

    APSA Minority Fellows Program

    Sponsoring organization:American Political Science Association

    Amount:$4,000

    Application due date:�June

    APSA awards scholarships to students enrolled in political science doctoral programs. The association grants awards based on grade point average, GRE scores, recommendations and extracurricular activities.

    alpfa_logo

    ASA Minority Fellowship Program

    Sponsoring organization:American Sociological Association

    Amount:$18,000

    Application due date:�January 31

    This award is for students enrolled in a sociology PhD program who plan to become researchers.

    alpfa_logo

    The LAGRANT Foundation Scholarship for Graduate Students

    Sponsoring organization:The LAGRANT Foundation

    Amount:�$5,000

    Application due date:�February 28

    This award is for master's degree students who plan to enter an advertising, marketing or public relations field. Eligibility requirements include a 3.2 grade point average.

    alpfa_logo

    PhD Engineering Fellowship

    Sponsoring organization:GEM

    Amount:$16,000

    Application due date:�July 1-November 15

    These awards are given to students entering an engineering doctoral program. In addition, GEM offers awards to students working on a science PhD.

    Featured Online Degree Programs

    Hispanic Students Facing Special Situations

    Some Hispanic students face unique challenges that can put a damper on their plans for post-secondary education. For example, their parents may have inconsistent seasonal work, or lack the documentation needed to help secure a student loan easily. While these issues may seem difficult to overcome, they are not insurmountable. Below, we've outlined several higher education hurdles that Hispanic students encounter each school year, and provide key resources and advice to help them get started, get funding and earn a degree.

    Children of Migrant Workers

    For migrants, the temporal nature of their work often results in exclusion from the college preparatory process available to individuals settled in a particular community and school system. Completing necessary steps, such as filling out FAFSA® forms and meeting school application deadlines, becomes especially difficult. Fortunately, there are numerous resources – local and national – that can help.

    camp_icon

    College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP).
    Through the U.S. Department of Education, CAMP offers assistance to students who are children of migrant or seasonal farm workers in the United States and helps to fund their first year of studies in an approved post-secondary institution.

    migrant_logo

    Migrant Education Programs (MEPs).
    The DOE funds state programs aimed at ensuring that migrant students reach challenging academic goals and graduate with a high school diploma or complete a GED. California's MEP is a good example of such a program. Students should check the availability of an MEP in their state.

    student_foundation_logo

    Migrant Students Foundation (MSF).
    The MSF is a non-profit organization helping migrant students gain access to higher education by connecting them with scholarships, internships and service learning opportunities.

    Undocumented Students

    The controversy continuing to swirl around the fates of immigrants without legal status in the United States has created a great deal of confusion regarding issues of undocumented students and college opportunities. Many students today continue to believe that the doors to a higher education remain shut and locked due to their undocumented status. Options for these students are available, however, including the following:

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    Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).
    DACA provides certain undocumented immigrants who entered the United States before their 16th birthdays a number of benefits and protections including work permits and exemption from deportation, thus easing financial and other related pressures.

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    DREAM Act. The DREAM Act is a piece of legislation whose aim is to create a pathway to citizenship for undocumented children growing up in the United States. It was first introduced in Congress in 2001 and reintroduced several times since, but currently remains unpassed. State-level versions have passed in many states, however, that allow undocumented students to apply for and receive scholarships. California again provides a good example of the types of state DREAM Act benefits available.

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    MALDEF: Scholarship Resources.
    There are a variety of college scholarships offered to undocumented students. The Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund provides this excellent resource site that includes a link to its current Scholarship Resources Guide.

    First Generation College Students

    There are literally millions of Hispanic students today facing the exciting prospect of becoming the first in their families to turn the dream of earning a college degree into a reality. Most colleges want to help by offering special programs for first-generation students enrolled or considering enrollment at their institutions. Here are a few other resources for this first-generation:

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    ACT.
    ACT is a nonprofit organization whose mission is "helping people achieve education and workplace success. ACT offers many resources including this guide entitled Helping Your Child Become a First-Generation College Student.

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    First in the Family.
    Part of a larger nonprofit aimed at helping high school students reach their college goals, First in the Family provides this resource page with numerous useful links, including this one entitled Advice About College from Low-Income and First-Generation Students.

    loft_icon

    LOFT Institute.
    A great resource for all Latino students, the Latinos on Fast Track (LOFT) Institute helps first-generation students through education events and mentoring programs.

    Along with these and other great resources that can be found online, students are well advised to make use of the college and career counseling services offered at their own high schools.

    Quick Ways Students Can Save Before College Starts

    SATs

    Most four-year colleges require students to submit their SAT scores with their application. At $51 for this test, plus additional fees for individual subject-area tests, these costs can add up. To help with these costs, students may take advantage of fee waivers, based on income, or a recommendation from their high school counselor. Waivers cover the cost of sending score reports to up to four colleges of the students' choice, after the four free reports that all applicants receive.

    Application Fees

    Many colleges also charge fees, ranging from $35 to $50 per school, to process student applications. The College Board has a comprehensive list of colleges that do not have application fees or that may waive the fee, upon request, for in-state applicants.

    Tuition, Room and Board, Textbooks, and More

    Though these costs can add up, there are many avenues Hispanic students can take to make college more affordable. Grants and work-study programs are just two of the ways that students can lower their out-of-pocket cost of college. College financial aid offices are designed to get students on the right path.

    More Educational Resources for Hispanic Students

    Resources abound for Hispanic students seeking a college degree. College admissions offices can guide students to campus-specific assistance, but other help is available too. Below you'll find additional resources for the Hispanic student who is looking to make the most of their college experience.

    hacv_icon

    Hispanic Association of Colleges & Universities National Internship 
    program is “opening the doors of opportunity” for Hispanic students.

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    Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, Inc.
    provides resources for Hispanic students and their parents, including a college preparatory kit, a middle school checklist, and financial aid and scholarship information. Most information is available in both English and Spanish.

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    The U.S. Department of Education 
    has a specialized tool kit for Hispanic families, designed to help students succeed in school.

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    ASPIRA is a group of organizations that provides educational support and enrichment to Latino youth and their families in schools, community centers, and ASPIRA clubs.

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    Latinos in College 
    is a website dedicated to helping Hispanic students succeed in college and beyond. Overcoming homesickness, being the first generation college student, and tools for parents are just a few of the topics students will find here.

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    New Futuro 
    is a comprehensive website that helps to guide Hispanic students and their families through the college application process.

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    If social media is your thing, College Action Plan has an E-Mentoring group on Facebook. Families will find information about planning for college from middle school through the college application process.

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    Excelencia in Education 
    provides an analysis of Latino students and helps to promote education policies to support them.

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    MyCollegeOptions 
    has a list of resources for all students, whether they're trying to decide which college to attend, preparing for standardized tests, or looking to save for college.

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    Student Now 
    offers a list of resources for Latino students looking into college, including scholarship information, sorority and fraternity options, as well as general information for Latino students.

    Most Affordable Hispanic Serving Institution College Programs: Classroom and Online

    Hispanic students searching for a good college fit clearly need to consider many factors. If a school with a large Hispanic population is important to them, then an HSI probably makes sense. But students may want to look beyond percentage of Hispanic students at a college to see what the school offers them in terms of support before and during the college years. And because cost is also a key factor, Affordable Colleges Online has compiled a list of the 32 most affordable HSIs in the United States.

    CollegeCityStateTotal Enrolled% HispanicTuition & FeesType
    Miami Dade CollegeMiamiFlorida99,23254%$ 3,366Public
    Eastern New Mexico University-Main CampusPortalesNew Mexico6,86826%$ 4,350Public
    University of Houston- DowntownHoustonTexas16,34134%$ 5,022Public
    The University of Texas – Pan AmericanEdinburgTexas23,02388%$ 5,165Public
    The University of Texas of the Permian BasinOdessaTexas5,17037%$ 5,250Public
    The University of Texas at BrownsvilleBrownsvilleTexas18,97086%$ 5,488Public
    Texas A & M International UniversityLaredoTexas8,28788%$ 5,714Public
    CUNY John Jay College of Criminal JusticeNew YorkNew York18,04030%$ 5,759Public
    CUNY Lehman CollegeBronxNew York16,08437%$ 5,808Public
    California State University – Monterey BaySeasideCalifornia5,21629%$ 5,963Public
    South Texas CollegeMcAllenTexas36,95194%$ 6,045Public
    University of New Mexico – Main CampusAlbuquerqueNew Mexico33,30432%$ 6,050Public
    California State University – Dominguez HillsCarsonCalifornia15,90933%$ 6,095Public
    California State University – Los AngelesLos AngelesCalifornia22,83032%$ 6,101Public
    California State Polytechnic University – PomonaPomonaCalifornia22,77025%$ 6,125Public
    California State University – FullertonFullertonCalifornia39,52126%$ 6,195Public
    California State University – FresnoFresnoCalifornia22,28531%$ 6,228Public
    California State University – San BernadinoSan BernadinoCalifornia19,06533%$ 6,327Public
    Florida International UniversityMiamiFlorida56,28857%$ 6,417Public
    New Mexico State UniversityLas CrucesNew Mexico21,69239%$ 6,513Public
    California State University – StanislausTurlockCalifornia9,41127%$ 6,582Public
    California State University-BakersfieldBakersfieldCalifornia9,45634%$ 6,709Public
    Texas A & M University – KingsvilleKingsvilleTexas11,92752%$ 6,940Public
    Texas A & M University – Corpus ChristiCorpus ChristiTexas11,78536%$ 7,084Public
    The University of Texas at El PasoEl PasoTexas26,23272%$ 7,214Public
    The University of Texas at San AntonioSan AntonioTexas35,09843%$ 7,389Public
    New Jersey City UniversityJersey CityNew Jersey10,60526%$ 10,422Public
    University of the Incarnate WordSan AntonioTexas9,15353%$ 23,690Private Not-for-Profit
    Saint Thomas UniversityMiami GardensFlorida5,00038%$ 25,110Private Not-for-Profit
    Fresno Pacific UniversityFresnoCalifornia5,02733%$ 25,336Private Not-for-Profit
    St. Edward's UniversityAustinTexas6,10927%$ 31,110Private Not-for-Profit
    University of La VerneLa VerneCalifornia10,304$ 33,350Private Not-for- Profit

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