Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 | |
| Abbreviation | HACU |
|---|---|
| Formation | 1986 |
| Type | Education advocacy association |
| Headquarters | United States |
Region served | United States, Puerto Rico, Latin America, Spain |
| Membership | 500+ colleges and universities |
| Website | www |
The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting Hispanic student success in higher education.[1][2][3] Founded in 1986[4][5] with an initial membership of eighteen institutions,[5] HACU has since grown into a network of more than 500 colleges and universities across the United States, Puerto Rico, Latin America, Spain, and select U.S. school districts.[a]
HACU is the only national association that represents Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs).[5] Its U.S. member institutions, while comprising just 17% of all higher education institutions, enroll approximately two-thirds of all Hispanic college students in the country.
HACU’s mission is to champion Hispanic success in higher education.[7] Its work includes:
- Advocating for improved federal and state policies and funding to support HSIs.
- Building the institutional capacity of member schools through research, technical assistance, and professional development.
- Developing strategic partnerships with corporate, government, and international organizations.
- Supporting the Hispanic education pipeline from early childhood through graduate education and into the workforce.
HACU is governed by a Board of Directors composed primarily of leaders from Hispanic-Serving Institutions.
Membership
HACU’s membership includes:[8]
- Over 470 U.S.-based institutions, including four-year universities and community colleges
- Approximately 45 international institutions across Latin America and Spain
- U.S. school district affiliates focused on K–12 to college pathways
Hispanic higher education
According to HACU and U.S. government data:[9]
- As of 2017, there were 59.1 million Hispanics in the U.S., representing 18.2% of the population.
- The median age for Hispanics was 29.0, compared to 37.9 for the total population.
- Hispanic buying power in 2016 was estimated at $1.4 trillion, with projections reaching $1.7 trillion by 2020.
- In 2016, 3.29 million Hispanics were enrolled in non-profit higher education institutions, including those in Puerto Rico.
- 46.0% of Hispanic undergraduates attended two-year colleges (compared to 36.6% of all undergraduates).
Despite increased enrollment, disparities remain in academic attainment:[10]
- 29.5% of Hispanics aged 25+ had not completed high school as of 2017.
- Only 17.2% held a bachelor’s degree or higher, compared to 38.1% of non-Hispanic whites.
Partnerships and impact
HACU has played a role in shaping national education policy related to HSIs and in securing federal investments for programs that serve Hispanic and underserved student populations.[5][11][12] The association is widely regarded as the leading voice on Hispanic higher education in the United States.[citation needed]
Its member institutions include both public and private universities, community colleges, and emerging HSIs. Institutions such as California State University, San Bernardino have been long-standing members.[citation needed]