25 Years as a Hispanic-Serving Institution
Serving Our Students
Mercy University is proud to be named a Hispanic-Serving Institution. The University mission is deeply rooted in the idea that all students have the opportunity to earn a college degree.
Today, Mercy enrolls a robust and growing Latino student population and is pleased to be the largest private Hispanic-Serving Institution within 1000 miles, offering students an affordable, high-quality educational experience with vital, built-in supports to help them succeed.
Many of our students are the first in their families to go to college. Their stories reflect the qualities of resilience, persistence, grit, and dedication which brought them to us from all walks of life. The University is committed to making sure its students don’t just have access to quality education -- but success – all the way to having that diploma in their hands.
Mercy Certified as Top Institution for Hispanic Students
Mercy University is proud to be the first private college in the nation and the first Hispanic-Serving Institution in New York State to receive the Seal of Excelencia from the Excelencia in Education organization.
This award, given to select colleges and universities across the United States, demonstrates our excellence in ensuring Hispanic students are positioned to succeed. We’re committed to serving our diverse population, but more than that, we’re determined to see our Hispanic students thrive!
What is a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI)?
This distinction is awarded to institutions of higher education (such as Mercy University) with an enrollment of undergraduate, full-time equivalent students that is at least 25% Hispanic students.
At Mercy 44% of our undergraduate population is Hispanic, and we’re New York’s largest private Hispanic-Serving Institution.
National Leader in Graduating Hispanic Students
Mercy University has emerged as a national leader when it comes to awarding bachelor's degrees to Hispanic students. In the 2019/2020 school year Mercy issued 557 bachelor's degrees to Hispanic students. This is the fourth-most among private HSIs in the continental US and more than our closest competitors combined.
Committed to Success
As an institution we have made it a priority to improve upon the ways that we serve our students and continue to be a leader nationwide. This commitment has led to a 16 point graduation rate increase for our Hispanic students over the past 10 years.
We know that success means not only providing access to education but making sure students get through college and leave Mercy prepared for a successful career.
We are proud of all our Hispanic alumni and are committed to continuing to make sure our students are both successful at Mercy University and after graduation.
17 Point Increase in Hispanic Student Retention Rate . . .
Over the past 10 years we have seen a dramatic increase in the retention rate for our full-time Hispanic students. So how did we do it? Our PACT Mentorship program. The program is aimed at providing our students with the individualized support they deserve throughout their time at Mercy University.
This commitment means more of our Hispanic students stay with us, and we do our best to ensure everyone leaves Mercy with the one credential they came to get: their college degree.
Using Grants to Enhance Student Learning
College is more than just going to class, it is about opening minds and making sure students have the tools and resources they need to reach their goals.
Over the last four years, Mercy has been awarded approximately $8.6 million in multi-year funding from the U.S. Department of Education through its HSI initiatives. These grants help us focus on expanding educational opportunities for our students.
Below are just some of the grants we have received designed to support our Hispanic students:
