Photo courtesy of toshy_o from Getty Images Pro College enrollment trends in 2025 are complex, with conflicting reports on growth and decline across different institutions and programs. Factors include increased short-term program enrollment, declining small colleges, foreign student numbers, and concerns over degree value.
A Pew Research Center study highlights that only 7% of Latinos hold graduate degrees, driven by financial barriers, limited guidance, and first-generation challenges. Experts stress the need for increased accessibility, mentorship, and systemic reforms to boost Latino graduate success. Photo by The Jopwell Collection on Unsplash
Photos courtesy of UIC. The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) supports minority student success through programs like LARES, L@S GANAS, and the Bridge to Faculty initiative. As a Hispanic-Serving Institution, UIC fosters diversity, inclusivity, and mentorship, empowering students like Rosa Elena Mendoza to achieve academic excellence.
Photo courtesy of American River College Lisa Cardoza, the first Latina president of American River College, champions diversity, student success, and community partnerships. Overcoming early challenges, she now focuses on expanding Latino support programs, improving transfer rates, and enhancing financial aid to foster student achievement.
At H.O. we congratulate new education leaders that have embarked on the challenging but very rewarding journey of education leadership.
NYU Buenos Aires, parte de la red global de la universidad, es un sitio que ofrece a los estudiantes una experiencia académica viva y enriquecedora, junto con una inmersión cultural completa. Los estudiantes suelen vivir con familias argentinas y aprenden español rápidamente; además, tienen la oportunidad de explorar temas como la justicia social con profesores que son de las figuras más respetadas e influyentes del país.
Trump’s inauguration faced cold weather disruptions, with inaugural balls highlighting Hispanic influence. Early executive orders focused on defunding USAID and the Department of Education while clarifying that birthright citizenship would be limited, not ended, sparking legal and legislative debates.
The Columbia Global Center Santiago connects Columbia University with Latin America, fostering collaboration in education, research, and innovation. It addresses global and local challenges through thematic pillars—climate, humanities, journalism, and democracy—while supporting scholars, students, and impactful partnerships.
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Higher education data shows that the pathway between undergraduate and graduate education narrows considerably for Hispanics/Latinos, with relatively few continuing their studies at this level, resulting in a persistent under-representation of Hispanics/Latinos in Master’s and PhD programs.
Photos courtesy of CSU Fullerton Cal State Fullerton’s federally funded Project upGRADS enhances Latinx and underrepresented students’ access to graduate education through advising, mentorship, scholarships, and cultural awareness initiatives, significantly improving enrollment, retention, and graduation rates while fostering community and institutional transformation.
Nova Southeastern University (NSU) excels in providing inclusive, high-quality education for Hispanic and underrepresented students, particularly in STEM and graduate programs, through Title V grants, scholarships, and innovative pathways, shaping future leaders in diverse fields and industries.
Higher education faces intense scrutiny over corruption in admissions, DEI practices, and minority recruitment amid rising calls for meritocracy. Key issues include elite college scandals, affirmative action rulings, and threats to dismantle the Department of Education under conservative leadership.
Latinos face underrepresentation in graduate education due to financial and systemic barriers. Programs offering scholarships, mentorship, and culturally responsive support, like those at CSUSB, empower students like Pablo Gutierrez to overcome challenges and drive community impact.
Willingness to understand others is a sublime virtue that unites us.
As 2024 ends, we would like to take a moment to honor and celebrate U.S. college and university Hispanic presidents featured this year. We congratulate them for their achievements, which mark significant milestones in leadership and recognition of diversity in higher education. These real trailblazers inspire the next generation and play a crucial role in a growing inclusive academic community.
