Report on College Affordability and Latino Student Success in Texas

Introduction

Excelencia in Education has released a brief titled “College Affordability: Insights and Solutions from Texas Students and Postsecondary Leaders”, focusing on the college affordability experiences of Latino students—the largest student demographic in Texas—as well as other post-traditional students. The brief emphasizes recommendations aligned with four key areas shaping college affordability:

1. Paying for college
2. Navigating support systems
3. Addressing basic needs
4. Applying for financial aid

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• SDG 4: Quality Education – The brief highlights efforts to ensure equitable access to quality and affordable higher education for Latino students.
• SDG 1: No Poverty – Addressing basic needs and financial aid supports students in overcoming economic barriers to education.
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – Intentional leadership and institutional support aim to reduce disparities faced by Latino and other underrepresented students.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Collaboration among institutions, policymakers, and communities enhances student success and affordability strategies.

Key Findings and Perspectives

The brief presents insights from three main stakeholder perspectives:

1. Latino Students’ Cost-Conscious Decisions: How students in Texas manage and strategize to pay for college.
2. Institutional Initiatives: How trendsetting Texas institutions are implementing measures to enhance college affordability.
3. Policy Recommendations: How state and federal policies can further improve affordability for students.

Institutional Engagement and Impact

Excelencia in Education engaged with students, administrators, and leaders from nine Texas institutions awarded the Seal of Excelencia, a national certification recognizing institutions that intentionally serve Latino students beyond enrollment. These institutions include:

• Angelo State University
• St. Edward’s University
• Texas State University
• Texas Woman’s University
• The University of Texas at Arlington
• The University of Texas at Austin
• The University of Texas at El Paso
• The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
• The University of Texas at San Antonio

Leadership Statement

Deborah Santiago, co-founder and CEO of Excelencia in Education, emphasized the importance of institutional commitment to affordability and return on investment. She stated that institutions earning the Seal of Excelencia exemplify how intentional leadership and support can provide quality, affordable education to Latino and all students. Santiago also highlighted that understanding student and leader perspectives on affordability can drive actions to meet basic needs, contain costs, and promote student success.

About Excelencia in Education

Founded in 2004, Excelencia in Education leads a national network of educators and policymakers dedicated to accelerating Latino student success in higher education. The organization’s work aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals by promoting inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all.

For more information, visit EdExcelencia.org.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • The article focuses on college affordability and access to quality education for Latino and post-traditional students in Texas.
2. SDG 1: No Poverty
   • Addressing basic needs and financial aid to make college affordable relates to reducing poverty and economic hardship among students.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • The emphasis on Latino students, the largest student group in Texas, and intentional leadership to serve them reflects efforts to reduce inequalities in education access and outcomes.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.3: Ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university.
   • Target 4.5: Eliminate gender disparities and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for vulnerable populations, including minorities.
   • Target 4.7: Ensure that all learners acquire knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development.
2. SDG 1: No Poverty
   • Target 1.4: Ensure that all men and women, particularly the poor and vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources, including access to basic services.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicators related to SDG 4 (Quality Education)
   • Enrollment rates of Latino and post-traditional students in higher education institutions.
   • Graduation rates and return on investment for graduates from institutions with the Seal of Excelencia.
   • Access to financial aid and support systems for college affordability.
   • Measures of student success and retention linked to affordability initiatives.
2. Indicators related to SDG 1 (No Poverty)
   • Number or percentage of students whose basic needs are met through institutional or policy support.
   • Availability and uptake of financial aid to reduce economic barriers to education.
3. Indicators related to SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities)
   • Representation and inclusion of Latino students in higher education enrollment and completion statistics.
   • Policy changes and institutional practices aimed at reducing disparities in education access and affordability.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: diverseeducation.com