ABSTRACT

This chapter examines the effects of the recent decline in public investment in US public colleges and universities on Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). It provides a glimpse of what may be at stake if, at this pivotal moment in our history, HSIs falter in our commitment to education for all. Persistent financial pressures present a specific set of challenges and opportunities for HSI, and throughout the chapter highlights the US public colleges and universities made some of the efforts to protect the core functions and mission of higher education in order to ensure access and a quality education for Latina students. During times of economic upswing, the comparatively limited financial resilience of HSIs institutions raises further concerns over student retention, as it drains faculty reserves, starves program investment, distorts institutional priorities, and national commitments to provide postsecondary opportunities to all capable students. The chapter concludes with recommendations that will allow HSIs to build on previous efforts to carry this momentum forward.