SAN ANTONIO(March 13, 2017)—Texas A&M University-San Antonio is now designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) by the U.S. Department of Education, which provides the university with greater access and broader eligibility for federal grant funding. HSIs are defined by Title V of the Higher Education Act as not-for-profit institutions of higher learning with a full-time equivalent (FTE) undergraduate student enrollment that is at least 25 percent Hispanic.
Designation as an HSI was contingent on A&M-San Antonio receiving separate accreditation from the U.S. Department of Education. A&M-San Antonio serves nearly 5,500 students, with 80 percent of the inaugural freshman class and 70 percent of the student body overall identifying as Hispanic.
“Becoming eligible for the grant-funding opportunities available to HSI institutions will benefit both our campus and our community by providing students who attend A&M-San Antonio access to improved student services and academic programs,” says vice president for Academic Affairs and provost, Dr. Mike O’Brien. “More important, designation as an HSI is consistent with the university’s mission to provide a transformative experience to all students.”
According to the U.S. Department of Education, the HSI designation assists with strengthening institutional programs, facilities and services to expand educational opportunities for Hispanic Americans and other underrepresented populations. It is also designed to provide universities and colleges who serve Hispanic populations with increased access to resources that will improve degree completion rates.
The designation will allow A&M-San Antonio to participate in grant programs a full year earlier than initially expected. Depending on specific program requirements, grant funding available to HSI institutions may be used to help support student achievement, provide scholarships and strengthen the university’s academic programs.
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About Texas A&M University-San Antonio
With a nearly 700-acre Main Campus to expand into, the Military Embracing™ university welcomed its inaugural class freshmen class in August 2016 and is now a comprehensive four-year university. Currently enrolling approximately 5,500 students, Texas A&M University-San Antonio is one of the fastest-growing universities in the state. Undergraduate and graduate degrees are available for the lowest university tuition in San Antonio for a variety of in-demand fields, including teacher preparation, business, information technology and cyber security. To learn more, visit tamusa.edu.