Hispanic Serving Instituion

Rio Salado College is proud to be recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), a designation from the U.S. Department of Education that recognizes accredited, degree-granting higher education institutions with 25 percent or more total undergraduate Hispanic and Latinx student enrollment.

“Being recognized as a Hispanic Serving Institution is a tremendous honor and responsibility for Rio Salado College,” said Greg Pereira, vice president of student affairs. “We will continue to provide the best support possible for our students, and ensure that our growing hispanic population has the tools and resources that they need to thrive.”

Rio Salado is one of 23 schools in Arizona to earn the HSI designation, and one of the ten within the Maricopa County Community College District. Nationally, HSIs represent 18 percent of all colleges and universities, yet enroll 67 percent of all Hispanic and Latinx undergraduates.

The HSI designation is written in the Higher​​ Education Act. The designation opens opportunities for colleges to apply for federal funds reserved for minority-serving institutions. 

Rio is dedicated to diversity, equity, inclusion, and fostering belonging for all. Read more about our DEIB efforts online.