Arepas or tacos? Tough choice, right? Just like picking a college. Okay, maybe that’s a lot harder, actually. Making your college decision is a very personal one. After all, it’s the place where you’re going to have many transformative experiences and really start to figure out who you are. For some, the best environment to do that might be going to a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), where you’re surrounded by faces that remind you of… well you. So, what exactly is an HSI? HSIs are public or private higher education institutions with at least 25% or more undergraduate Hispanic or Latino students. The designation for HSI comes from the federal government. With over 550 HSIs and counting in the U.S., we’re here to help narrow the list down of which might be right for you — by looking at some of the best accounting programs they have to offer.
University of California, Riverside
Percentage of Hispanic/Latinx students enrolled: 41%
West coast, best coast, baby! Just outside of Los Angeles, UC Riverside is the first of all UC campuses to become an HSI, a testament to the rich Hispanic and Latino culture of the area. Providing support for their Hispanic and Latino business students is something that they are passionate about. The accounting concentration covers everything from theory to research, to of course, practice. And with their school of business — which houses their accounting program — having a network of 16,000+ alumni, who have worked at major accounting firms, Fortune 500 companies, and government organizations. Beyond their great academic program, going to UC Riverside gives you access to everything SoCal has to offer — nature hikes and city treks that feel like a movie, amazing food options and lots of road trip options.
University of Arizona
Percentage of Hispanic/Latinx students enrolled: 29%
Who else is trying to be outside… and by that we mean the outdoors! Arizona is home to some of the country’s most beautiful reserves, hiking trails, and sunsets. The University of Arizona’s accounting program is special because it recognizes the many different cross-sections between accounting and students’ passions. Beyond the foundational principles of accounting, they provide opportunities to learn about different areas of interest from law, policy, and social justice to entrepreneurship to computer science. In 2019, the university received the Seal of Excelencia — a prestigious certification granted by a D.C.-based organization called Excelencia in Education — in recognition of its strides in supporting Latino student success. Sure, it gets hot in the summer. But as they say, it’s a dry heat! Get your hiking boots ready, Arizona might just come calling!
Texas A&M University, College Station
Percentage of Hispanic/Latinx students enrolled: 25%
Everything’s bigger in Texas. Especially the accounting programs. A&M is a huge school with a big legacy, and an even bigger professional network. Plus, by being in Texas, you’ll have tons of opportunities to get hands-on experience with essential and rising industries such as agriculture, petroleum and new green energy industries (if that’s what floats your boat). If you’re looking for opportunities to learn about accounting while combining it with other educational opportunities, such as entrepreneurship or supply chain, then this also might be the school for you. The flexibility of their programs really mirrors the diverse options and paths of accounting. You’ll experience this through the popular “Professional Program,” which lets students pursue a BA in accounting, while also working towards either a masters in certain business majors or financial management. They also have great success with helping to place students in careers post-graduation. And the best part? Texas A&M is focused on continuing to identify opportunities for growth in support for its Hispanic students through its Hispanic Network: HOME Summit. From scholarships, to mentorships, to fostering alumni connections — this will be your go-to place for finding community support.
University of Texas at Austin
Percentage of Hispanic/Latinx students enrolled: 26%
What’s better than one HSI in Texas? Two. Just two hours away in Austin you’ll find another one of the nation’s best accounting programs. Known worldwide, TU also has an outstanding and infamous legacy, and not just for their football program. Students from all over the world come here to study and conduct research. Being in the heart of Texas, a state with an economy and culture that rivals most countries, offers some great academic opportunities. And being so close to Mexico, TU and its sister schools in the state are best positioned to study the culture and commerce along the southern border. You could take advantage of the on-campus communities for Hispanic and Latino accounting students such as the Hispanic Business Student Association or the Latin Economic and Business. And you won’t struggle to find a good taco in town, either.
CUNY Bernard M. Baruch College
Percentage of Hispanic/Latinx students enrolled: 25%
Ever thought about or dreamed of living in New York City? Here’s your chance to leave the city that never sleeps with an accounting degree. Accounting is one of the top six majors at Baruch. And since it's located within one of the financial capitals of the world, almost every company and major accounting firm has an office there. Whether you want to be an accounting intern at Spotify, the Yankees, or a non-profit — you have every option imaginable at your disposal. And did we mention you get to live in New York? Broadway shows, underground dance parties, and trips to the beach where you get to blast Bad Bunny are all just a train ride away.
College should feel like a safe space. That doesn’t mean there won’t be times where you’ll be uncomfortable or challenged (IKYK). But it does mean that you should feel like you are supported and can grow to your fullest potential. HSIs might not be right for you, and that’s okay. But if it is? That is too. Find out for yourself.
