Herzing as a Hispanic-Serving Institution: Unlocking Opportunities for You

Across the U.S., a shortlist of colleges and universities are categorized as Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI), and Herzing University Kenosha is proud to be a part of this cohort. 

 In 2022-23, there were 600 HSIs across 28 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Nationally, HSIs represent only 20% of institutions nationwide, yet they enroll almost two-thirds of Hispanic college students, according to the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities. 

At Herzing University, we're proud to foster an inclusive nursing community that celebrates everyone. With campuses like Herzing Kenosha recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and Herzing Minneapolis as an Asian American and Native American Pacific-Islander-serving institution, we actively promote a welcoming environment for students from all backgrounds.  

Why Does the HSI Designation Matter? 

Hispanic-serving institutions play an important role in higher education. Just as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) increase educational opportunities for Black students, HSIs increase opportunities for Latino/a students. Minority population-serving institutions are at the forefront of creating educational opportunities and fostering success for the national Hispanic population. 

Herzing and other HSI institutions provide aid, support and access to quality higher education for students of Hispanic descent—particularly first-generation and low-income students. 

How Does an Institution Earn the  HSI Designation? 

In order for a higher education institution to qualify as an HSI and receive federal funding from the Department of Education, the school must meet these criteria: 

• Be a not-for-profit college/university

• Offer at least a 2-year degree-earning program
• Be an accredited college/university
• Have a minimum of 25% of Hispanics enrolled as undergraduate, full-time equivalent students at the end of the award year immediately preceding the date of application
• Have a high enrollment percentage of students who are eligible for Pell Grants, which are a type of free federal financial aid awarded to students with high financial need.

Embracing Diversity 

With 65% of Herzing’s student population being from diverse populations, we embrace different backgrounds and perspectives to create a dynamic learning environment. Herzing strives to create an environment where nursing students feel valued, respected and empowered to succeed in the healthcare field.  

Joining our inclusive nursing community means being part of a network that embraces differences, promotes equity, and prepares students to excel in the diverse healthcare landscape. At Herzing, everyone's unique perspective contributes to a richer learning experience and a brighter future for healthcare. 

Liliana Trespalacios, One of Many Amazing Stories 

Throughout her coursework and career, Herzing graduate Liliana Trespalacios has continually been reminded of two crucial lessons — healthcare isn't one-size-fits-all, and equity differs from equality.  

In her search for a nursing program, Liliana discovered Herzing University. She felt connected to a supportive academic community that recognized her potential and the unique capabilities she brought to the table. She established connections with the academic community at Herzing-Kenosha and the National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN). 

"The partnership between Herzing and NAHN has been a game-changer for me," Liliana said. "It's not just about education; it's about accessibility. Through NAHN’s national scholarship program, I was fortunate to receive the Abbott Scholarship, which not only eased my financial burden but enabled me to give back to the community."  

One of Liliana's most significant strengths as a nurse with Hispanic roots is her ability to connect with patients with similar backgrounds on a deeper level. This natural connection fosters greater empathy, improves patient trust, and enhances positive health outcomes.