Minority Serving Institutions

Minority Serving Institutions (MSI) are two-year and four-year institutions whose missions or populations strongly reflect and support diversity. While some colleges and universities may have a diverse student populations, MSIs differ in that these institutions have a core commitment to the success of success of students of color. This commitment can be found in the history of such institutions, the extent to which they provide bi-lingual education, the connections between culture and academic learning environments, and the presence of a diverse faculty, staff, and administration.

MSIs receive federal designation.

Minority-serving institutions (MSIs) have unique histories and purposes, but all share a common commitment to educate underrepresented minorities. MSIs include historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), tribal colleges and universities (TCUs), and Hispanic-serving institutions (HSIs).

Many of these institutions were created to provide postsecondary educational opportunities to students who previously were denied access to a quality education. Today, the colleges continue that tradition while also making educational opportunities possible for Americans from diverse economic, ethnic, and social backgrounds and educationally disadvantaged populations. These institutions play a central role in supporting cultural values and traditions, reinforcing community and civic responsibility, and producing citizens who are more attuned to the diverse nation in which we live.

By making a significant difference in the lives of the students they educate and the communities they serve, MSIs are contributing to the nation's economic and social growth and global competitiveness. The shared values and experiences of these colleges and universities include:

• Commitment to community ideals and civic responsibilities
• Dedication to student access and success
• Emphasis on teaching and scholarly excellence
• Belief in the power of colleges and universities to promote personal and spiritual fulfillment
• Devotion to the elimination of poverty and discrimination in American society
• Encouragement of cultural diversity

If you are interested in learning how MSIs achieve their mission, visit specific college and university Web sites and take a look at their course offerings, faculty, students as well as how the institution supports the linkages between academic environment and culture.