Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs)

Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) are comprised of colleges and universities in the U.S. that serve large populations of minority students. While each university has a unique history and purpose, they all have a common commitment to the academic success of students of color. MSIs receive federal designation by the U.S. Department of Education and include Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), and Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs).

Historically Black Colleges and Universities

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBC) includes 89 four-year institutions of higher education established prior to 1964, for the primary purpose of educating African-Americans. The majority of HBCs are located in the Southeastern states. The National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher education (NAFEO) NAFEO represents the presidents and chancellors of diverse black colleges and universities. NAFEO serves as an advocate for the preservation and enhancement of HBCs and for blacks in higher education.

SearchNow - a national database of colleges and universities active in the recruitment and retention of first-generation and historically underserved students.

Hispanic Serving Institutions

Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) are accredited, post-secondary higher educational institutions with a commitment to improving access to and the quality of post-secondary educational opportunities for Hispanic students. The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) represents nearly 450 colleges and universities committed to Hispanic higher education success in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Latin America, Spain and Portugal. HACU mission includes SearchNow - a national database of colleges and universities active in the recruitment and retention of first-generation and historically underserved students.

Tribal Colleges and Universities

Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) provide a response to the higher education needs of Native Americans. TCUs have become increasingly important to educational opportunity for Native American students, an importance they have achieved in a relatively brief period of time.

SearchNow - a national database of colleges and universities active in the recruitment and retention of first-generation and historically underserved students.