Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities

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Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities
AbbreviationHACU
Formation1986; 39 years ago (1986)
TypeEducation advocacy association
HeadquartersUnited States
Region served
United States, Puerto Rico, Latin America, Spain
Membership500+ colleges and universities
Websitewww.hacu.net

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.

Mission and activities

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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

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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

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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

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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]

See also

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Notes

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  1. ^ As of 2003, "HACU represents close to 300 academic institutions in the United States, Puerto Rico, and abroad. HACU member institutions serve close to two-thirds of Hispanic college students in the United States."[6]

References

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  1. ^ "Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities". Philanthropy News Digest (PND). 2025-05-12. Retrieved 2025-09-03.
  2. ^ "Hispanic Association for Colleges and Universities (HACU)". CSUSB. Retrieved 2025-09-03.
  3. ^ Binkley, Collin (2025-08-23). "Justice Department won't defend grants for Hispanic-serving colleges, calling them unconstitutional". The Independent. Retrieved 2025-09-03.
  4. ^ Rigual, Antonio (July 14, 1986). "Hispanic link". The Deming Headlight. p. 2 – via newspapers.com.
  5. ^ a b c d Calderón Galdeano, E.; Flores, A.R.; Moder, J. (2012). "The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities and Hispanic-Serving Institutions: Partners in the Advancement of Hispanic Higher Education". Journal of Latinos and Education. 11 (3). Routledge: 157–162. doi:10.1080/15348431.2012.686352.
  6. ^ Creider, L.S. (2003). "What are academic libraries doing with Spanish language subject headings?". The Journal of Academic Librarianship. 29 (2): 88–94. doi:10.1016/S0099-1333(02)00417-2.
  7. ^ "Mission". hacu.net. Retrieved 2025-08-15.
  8. ^ "Membership". hacu.net. Retrieved 2025-09-12.
  9. ^ Funk, Cary; Lopez, Mark Hugo (14 June 2022). "A brief statistical portrait of U.S. Hispanics". Pew Research. Retrieved 2022-06-14.
  10. ^ "Research". hacu.net. Retrieved 2025-09-15.
  11. ^ Keith, Yvonne R. (1995). "The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities: the voice of Hispanic Higher Education". Hispanic Engineer. 10 (5): 10. JSTOR 43823926.
  12. ^ Rooney, Megan (2003-06-20). "Hispanic group urges more spending". The Chronicle of Higher Education. Vol. 49, no. 41. Archived from the original on October 24, 2023.
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