College Student Guide to Minority Serving Institutions

ANNHs gained federal recognition through the Higher Education Act of 1998. ANNH collectively refers to schools that serve Alaska Native or Native Hawaiian students. At least 20% of students attending these schools must possess primarily Alaskan or Hawaiian native heritage. In 2010, The American Council on Education discovered more than half of ANNHs offered two-year degrees. Additionally, their findings revealed that nearly one-third of students successfully completed their credentials at two-year public ANNHs.

AANAPISIs maintain at least a 10% Asian American Pacific Islander student enrollment rate. These schools earned federal recognition through the College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007. In 2010, the American Council on Education reported that 45% of AANAPISIs offered two-year degrees. Out of all the students enrolled at these two-year schools, over 60% of full-time students completed their degrees. Comparatively, 37.6% of students who attended part-time or full-time completed their degrees.

HSIs must maintain a student body composed of at least 25% full-time Hispanic students. These institutions gained federal recognition through the Higher Education Act of 1992. In 2010, about half of HSIs classified as two-year institutions. During this year, the completion rate measured 34.2% for both full-time and part-time learners, and 53% of students who exclusively attended full-time completed their credentials.

HBCU refers to any U.S. institution established before 1964 with a past and current mission to educate Black students. These colleges first gained federal recognition in 1965 through the Higher Education Act. More than 40% of HBCUs in 2010 were public four-year schools, and more than 47% of enrolled students completed their credentials. These institutions welcome students from any race, and the federal government does not place enrollment requirements on these schools.

The federal government began recognizing NASNTIs in 2008 through the Higher Education Opportunity Act. Out of all the students that these schools enroll, 10% must have Native American heritage. Nearly half of NASNTIs in 2010 offered two-year degrees. Over the six-year study period, 47.3% of full-time students completed their degrees. Comparatively, both full-time and part-time students collectively met a 38.2% completion rate.

PBIs vary from HBCUs. Although both institution types serve Black students, PBIs must meet enrollment requirements. These schools serve a minimum of 1,000 undergraduate students. Additionally, low-income or first-generation college students must make up 50% of the student body. Lastly, these institutions must enroll at least 40% African American students.

PBIs gained federal recognition through the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008. American Council on Education 2010 data reveals that more than half of PBIs offer two-year degrees. This organization also found that 33.8% of enrolled students completed their degrees.

TCUs began receiving federal funding thanks to the Tribally Controlled College or University Assistance Act of 1978. Native American tribes charter some of these schools, and the U.S. government charters others. In 2016, 34 TCUs enrolled 16,677 undergraduate students. Out of these 34 schools, 25 offered two-year degrees. During this year, American Indian or Alaskan Native students comprised 77.8% of the student body, and white students comprised 16.5%.

Many MSIs accept students from all races. Any student can learn about the unique customs and struggles other individuals experience. National Center for Education Statistics 2015 data shows that white, Hispanic, Asian or Pacific Islander, and Native American students comprised 22% of total HBCU enrollment. In 1976, this figure stood at 15%.

Minority students at MSIs benefit from supportive professors that share their culture. Aside from academic support, these learners may also qualify for federal financial aid. For example, the CARES act put in place in response to the COVID-19 pandemic provided emergency educational funding for MSI students.

Attending an MSI typically costs less than other schools, but learners still receive a quality education. This low-risk investment pays off for most students. Graduates qualify for high-paying jobs that cover student loans, living, and leisure expenses. The Bureau of Labor Statistics offers informative data on earning potential for specific careers.

MSIs boast high graduation rates. The American Council on Education provides informative data on MSI student completion rates. The latest data from fall 2010 reveals that 42% of students who started at a public four-year HBCU in fall 2010 completed their degree within six years. The percentage rose even higher for full-time students at a 60% completion rate.

Many students from diverse cultural backgrounds grow up as a minority in their community. When they attend an MSI, they bond with hundreds of peers who share the same ancestral history and traditions. These students discover shared experiences and feel known, seen, and less alone.