ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the effects of the recent decline in public investment in U.S. public colleges and universities on Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). Our longitudinal analysis of revenue and expenditure trends suggests that among the first institutions to be affected by this continual decline are those that serve the fastest-growing segment of our changing society—Latinas/os. Persistent financial pressures present a specific set of challenges and opportunities for HSIs, and throughout the chapter we highlight some of the efforts made by these colleges and universities to protect the core functions and mission of higher education in order to ensure access and a quality education for Latina/o students. We conclude our discussion with recommendations that will allow HSIs to build on previous efforts to carry this momentum forward. The impetus for this work was the belief that our ability to secure postsecondary opportunities for all capable students is crucial to the future of our nation and will ultimately shape our democracy in generations to come.
