What are Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs)?  

Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) are colleges and universities primarily serving minority populations, including African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans, Native Americans, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. These institutions are critical to increasing access to higher education and ensuring that all students have the opportunity to succeed.

There are four federal designations of MSIs, each serving a different minority group. They are:

1. Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)

2. Primarily Black Institutions (PBIs)

3. Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs)

4. Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs)

5. Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs)

HBCUs were established primarily to educate African Americans during racial segregation (before 1964). Today, they continue to serve a predominantly African American student body and are renowned for their academic rigor and cultural significance. The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) provides scholarships and other resources to HBCUs. Many are now receiving federal makeup funding after many years of financial neglect.

PBIs may have been founded as white schools, but over time, due to population changes, they now serve a large student body of color.

HSIs are institutions where Hispanic students comprise at least 25% of the total student population. These institutions serve diverse Hispanics/Latines, including Mexican Americans, Puerto Ricans, and Cuban Americans. The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) advocates for the interests of HSIs.

TCUs are institutions controlled and operated by Native American tribes or organizations. They are located primarily in rural areas and serve the unique needs of Native American students. The American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC) provides support to TCUs.

AANAPISIs are institutions where Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander students make up at least 10% of the student population. These institutions serve diverse people, including Vietnamese Americans, Filipino Americans, and Native Hawaiians. The Asian Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund (APIASF) provides scholarships and other resources to AANAPISIs.

Each designation has its unique history, mission, and set of challenges. However, all MSIs are committed to providing access to higher education for minority students and promoting diversity and inclusion on college campuses.

If you're interested in learning more about MSIs, the following links provide lists of each group of MSIs by federal designation:

• HBCUs: https://www2.ed.gov/about/inits/list/whhbcu/edlite-list.html

• HSIs: https://www2.ed.gov/about/inits/list/hispanic-serving-inst/edlite-hispanic-serving-inst-list.html

• TCUs: https://www2.ed.gov/about/inits/list/whiaed/edlite-list.html

• AANAPISIs: https://www2.ed.gov/about/inits/list/asian-american-native-alaska-native-serving-institutions/edlite-list.html

MSIs are an essential part of our higher education system, and they play a vital role in promoting equity and access for all students. By supporting MSIs, we can help ensure that all students have the opportunity to succeed and make essential contributions to our society.