A UTEP student studies outside the Fox Fine Arts Center. (Photo courtesy of the University of Texas at El Paso)

Both El Paso Community College and the University of Texas at El Paso are among the nation’s top institutions for granting degrees to Latinos according to a recent research study. 

The report produced by Excelenia in Education examined more than 20 Hispanic serving institutions in the United States between 2017 and 2019. The report is one part of a project that includes digital releases and briefings that aims to  “inform powerful engagements by leaders in higher education and policy sectors at a critical time in our country.”

“UTEP has been intentional about serving Hispanic students for more than 30 years, and it’s a very mature Hispanic-serving institution,” UTEP President Heather Wilson said during a virtual event in March about the report’s findings. 

Nationally, Hispanic-serving institutions represent 20% of all colleges and universities and 40% of such institutions within Texas. 

To be categorized as a Hispanic-serving institution, a college or university’s student population has to be 25% Latino, according to the U.S. Department of Education. 

The report also includes what resources Latinos need to help the United States. regain it’s top ranking for college degree attainment by the year 2030: closing the equity gap, increasing degrees conferred, and increasing initiatives and programs for students. As  of 2018 Canada was the most educated country, according to a CNBC article.

Cover photo: A UTEP student studies outside the Fox Fine Arts Center. (Photo courtesy of the University of Texas at El Paso)

Jewél Jackson covers higher education for El Paso Matters, through a partnership with Open Campus Media. She is a 2020 graduate of the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University.