Minority-Serving Institutions Explained: HSIs, Tribal Colleges and More

When people talk about colleges that support students of color, they often think first of historically Black colleges. That is one important group, but the United States also recognizes several other categories of minority-serving institutions, or MSIs. These include Hispanic-Serving Institutions, tribal colleges and several others. Together they enroll a large share of the country's students.

This guide explains what the categories mean, how the designations work, what students often find at these colleges and what to ask when you compare them. HBCUs explained covers historically Black colleges in more depth.

What "minority-serving" means

Minority-serving institution is an umbrella term for colleges that serve high shares of students from particular racial and ethnic groups. Some categories are created by federal law and tied to enrollment thresholds. Others describe a historic mission. The term does not mean a college is only for certain students. These institutions admit students of all backgrounds, and many have diverse enrollments.

For colleges, a federal designation can open access to grant programs. For students, the label is a clue about a college's community, programs and history, not a guarantee of any particular experience.

The main categories

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Institutions founded before 1964 with the principal mission of educating Black Americans. They include public and private colleges, community colleges and universities.

Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). Colleges where Hispanic students make up at least 25 percent of full-time undergraduate enrollment, among other requirements. This is a federal designation based on enrollment, so the list changes from year to year.

Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs). Colleges chartered by American Indian tribes or located on or near reservations, with missions to serve Native communities. Many offer programs in tribal languages, history and governance as well as general degrees.

Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs). Colleges with at least 10 percent Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander enrollment, among other criteria.

Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs) and Native American-Serving Nontribal Institutions (NASNTIs). Other federal designations based on enrollment of Black or Native American students, with additional criteria such as a share of low-income students.

The rules for each category are set in federal law and regulations, and they can change. Consult the Department of Education's current lists for exact definitions.

What students often find

Experiences vary, but students and researchers often point to these features:

• Support for first-generation and low-income students, such as tutoring, advising and bridge programs funded by designation-related grants.
• Cultural and community spaces, including student organizations, centers and events that reflect the communities served.
• Faculty and curricula that reflect the students. Ethnic studies, language programs and community-based research are common at some MSIs.
• Affordability. Many MSIs, especially public ones and community colleges, charge lower tuition than selective private colleges.
• Strong pathways to graduate school and careers in some fields, such as health, education and STEM at institutions that emphasize them.

Not every campus fits this description. Quality, size and culture differ a great deal among MSIs, as they do among all colleges, so judge each school by its own programs and outcomes.

HSIs in practice

Because the HSI label depends on enrollment, the group includes large public universities, community colleges and some private colleges. Two HSIs can feel very different. One may be an urban commuter campus with many part-time students, another a residential university with a strong research focus. Do not assume the label tells you about size, selectivity or culture.

Ask what the college does with its designation. Some HSIs use federal funds for programs that raise graduation rates or help students transfer. Others have limited programs. Look for specifics, such as named advisors, summer bridge programs, or research opportunities for undergraduates.

Tribal colleges

Tribal colleges are typically small and community-based, with a mission to preserve language and culture alongside academic offerings. Many are two-year institutions that offer associate degrees and certificates, and some offer bachelor's or master's programs. They often serve rural areas where other colleges are far away.

Many tribal colleges have articulation agreements with nearby universities, so students can transfer credit. If you plan to transfer, ask for a current agreement list. Our guide to community college transfer requirements explains how to plan for that route.

Choosing among colleges

Use the same criteria you would use for any college, and add questions about community and support.

1. Programs. Does the college offer your major or a path to it?
2. Outcomes. What are the graduation and transfer rates? Where do graduates work or study?
3. Cost. What is the net price after aid? Use the college's net price calculator.
4. Support services. Is there advising, tutoring, mental health support and career services? How easy are they to reach?
5. Community. What student organizations, centers and events exist? Can you talk to current students?
6. Location. How close is it to home, family and work?

Visiting or joining a virtual event helps. Ask students what surprised them and what they would change.

Financial aid and scholarships

MSIs often have scholarships for students from particular communities, and national scholarship programs exist for students at specific institutions. Start with the college's financial aid office and the federal aid process described in our FAFSA guide. Many foundations and organizations also offer awards to students at HBCUs, HSIs and tribal colleges. Search by the name of your college and by community, and watch deadlines.

Misconceptions

• "These colleges are only for one group." They enroll students of all backgrounds.
• "The designation measures quality." It reflects enrollment and mission, not academic ranking.
• "All MSIs are small." Some are large public universities.
• "A designation never changes." HSI status depends on enrollment each year, so a college can gain or lose it.

Reading the numbers behind a college

Whatever the label, look at what the college publishes about outcomes. Useful figures include the share of first-year students who return for a second year, the share who graduate within six years and the share who go on to graduate study or employment. For community colleges, check the transfer rate and the list of partner universities.

Compare these figures with the college's own enrollment profile, because a school that enrolls many part-time or working students will have different graduation patterns from a residential campus. A lower rate does not always mean lower quality, but it is a reason to ask what the college does to help students finish.

Federal tools such as the College Scorecard publish many of these figures for free, and you can compare colleges side by side before you visit.

Questions to ask during a visit or call

Prepare questions that go beyond the brochure. Ask what percentage of students receive financial aid and how many graduate with debt. Ask which student support programs exist, who runs them and how students find out about them. Ask how advisers are assigned and how often students meet them.

Ask about research, internships and study abroad: how many students take part and how they are funded. Ask what recent graduates in your intended major are doing. If the college is a community college, ask about guaranteed transfer agreements and how many credits typically carry over.

Finally, ask a current student what surprised them and what they would improve. Honest answers help you judge fit.

Take notes during each conversation and compare them afterward. Patterns across colleges, such as how easy it is to reach an adviser, often matter more than any single feature.

If you are an international student, check eligibility for any federal or state programs mentioned by a college, because many are limited to citizens and permanent residents, and ask what support the college offers to students from abroad.

Final thoughts

Minority-serving institutions are a varied group of colleges that educate millions of students. For some students they offer a strong sense of community and targeted support, along with affordable paths to a degree. Look past the label to the programs, outcomes and culture of each college, compare real costs and talk to students before you decide.