We recently talked about the best HBCU schools for African American students to study design (You can read about it here.) What about the best Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs), though? HSIs were initially created in 1986 and still use the title Hispanic Serving Institutions. However, we will be using Hispanic/Latinx to better speak to current identities. Currently, Hispanic/Latinx individuals make up 18.5% of our nation’s population but continue to be severely underrepresented in the private and public sectors. Like African Americans, they are denied opportunities and must overcome several systemic barriers in order to establish themselves professionally. Hispanic/Latinx Serving Institutions play a vital role in making this happen. 

To provide you with a brief overview, Hispanic/Latinx Serving Institutions or HSIs are colleges or universities with a Hispanic/Latinx student body composed entirely of Spanish-speaking students. This includes part-time and full-time students enrolled in undergraduate or graduate degree programs. 

Like HBCUs, HSIs have been essential to the advancement of the Hispanic/Latinx population of our country. Research suggests that these institutions make up only 6% of the colleges in the United States. However, they enroll nearly 50% of college-going Hispanic/Latinx students! Moreover, Hispanic/Latinx students that attend HSIs tend to outperform their peers in various academic disciplines. Despite the limited resources these colleges have, they are more likely to develop Hispanic/Latinx talent, setting them up for success. 

Which Hispanic/Latinx Serving Institutions should aspiring designers consider, though? To answer this question, DesignExplorr has compiled a list of the best Hispanic/Latinx Serving Institutions (HSI) to study design. 

Our Process: How Did We Come Up With This List?

Like the HBCU colleges, we compiled another list of colleges by conducting research based on the following characteristics:

• The number of different types of design majors the school offers
• The number of design degrees they offer: Associates, Bachelors, and Masters
• Student chapter affiliations (AIGA, IDSA, ASID, AIA)

Now, let’s get started on the top HSI schools for you to study design:

1. California State University

California State University has 23 campuses and eight off-center campuses, making it the most populous four-year university in the country. The university is known for its excellent teaching and for preparing graduates for the job market. At this college, you can earn an undergrad and a graduate degree in the field of design. The list below shows the degrees you can study:

• Undergraduate
  • Architecture 
  • Landscape Architecture
  • Interior Architecture
  • Graphic Design
  • Photography
  • Art Media and Design
  • Communication Design
  • Interior Design
  • Graphic Communication
• Graduate
  • Architecture
  • Landscape Architecture
  • Interior Architecture
  • Instructional Design

2. California State Polytechnic University, Pomona

California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, is also known as Cal Poly Pomona and is one of the most popular colleges in the Western part of the country. 

Cal Poly Pomona is one of the best schools in California for studying architecture and is ranked high for its affordability. From this college, you can receive an undergraduate and a graduate degree in design. The following is a list of degrees you can earn:

• Undergraduate
  • Architecture
  • Landscape Architecture
  • Visual Communication Design
• Graduate
  • Architecture
  • Landscape Architecture
  •  Interior Architecture

3. Fullerton College

California’s oldest community college, Fullerton College, gives students the chance to study abroad in other countries and invests in students wanting to learn about a different culture. The best part of this community college is its partnership with Disneyland which enables students to receive career training through this program. Fullerton College has a four-year college on campus as well as a community college and offers degrees in the following design fields:

• Undergraduate
  • Advertising and Graphic Design
  • Fashion Design
  • Interior Design
  • Photography 
• Certificates
  • Architectural CAD Technology 
  • Advertising and Graphic Design 
  • Illustration
  • Digital Arts
  • Interior Design 

4. San Jose State University

San Jose State University is another school that our research shows is affordable and offers students a good return on investment. Using research and practice conducted by highly qualified faculty, SJSU provides award-winning education and practical experience. At San Jose University, you can earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree in design. Here are the degrees that are offered:

• Undergraduate
  • Animation/Illustration
  • Photography
  • Digital Media 
  • Design Studies
  • Graphic Design 
  • Industrial Design
  • Interior Design
• Graduate
  • Digital Media 
  • Photography

Research suggests that these HSIs make up only 6% of the colleges in the United States — but they enroll nearly 50% of college-going Hispanic/Latinx students.

5. Maricopa County Community Colleges

A unique characteristic of Maricopa County Community Colleges is its ten campuses located throughout the county. By providing education and enrichment programs for its students, Maricopa Community College enhances the quality of life of its residents. Your undergraduate degrees can be transferred to a four-year degree, and you can also step into the design field by earning a certificate. Here is a list of the colleges’ degrees and certifications:

• Undergraduate
  • Architectural Technology
  • Animation and Time-Based Media
  • Drafting and Design Technology 
  • Fashion Design
  • Graphic Design
  • Illustration
  • Interior Design
  • Photography
  • Web Design/Development
• Certificates
  • Adobe Foundations 
  • Animation
  • Architectural Technology
  • Digital Arts
  • Fashion Design
  • Graphic Design 
  • Illustration
  • Interior Design 
  • Visual Communication
  • Web Design

6. Pasadena City College

Pasadena City College is another great community college that gives you experience working in the workforce and earns you a degree that can be transferred to a four-year institution. As a community college, the college seeks to provide a learning environment that inspires student success within the San Gabriel Valley community.

Regardless of where you are in your college career, you can expect to earn a high-quality return on your investment. Below are the degrees you can obtain at Pasadena City College within the design field:

• Undergraduate
  • Architecture 
  • Animation
  • Graphic Design
  • Web Design 
  • Industrial Design 
  • Interior Design 
  • Product Design
  • Fashion Design
  • Photography 
• Certificates
  • Design Technolgy 
  • Photography
  • Interior Design
  • Industrial Design

7. University of Houston

The University of Houston is a Tier One institution, ranked for its research centers, outstanding faculty, and diverse cultural environment. As a result, college students are empowered to become the best version of themselves while learning, discovering, leading, and participating. The following is a list of the design programs the university offers:

• Undergraduate
  • Architecture 
  • Interior Design
  • Industrial design
  • Graphic Design 
  • Photography
• Graduate
  • Architecture
  • Industrial design

Top Three Honorable HSI Colleges

As part of our continuing efforts to provide you with the best options for choosing a school for your design career, DesignExplorr introduces you to three more colleges for the underrepresented population.

1. Dallas County Community District

As in Tennessee, Dallas County Community District offers a Dallas County Promise program to students. The program was launched in 2017, and it is based on the Tennessee program for high school seniors getting ready to go to college. No matter their GPA or income, students can take advantage of Dallas County Promise’s two-year free tuition program. This will be an excellent start to gaining a degree within the design field, and you can get an associate’s degree from  DCCD below:

• Undergraduate
  • Architecture
  • Digital Art and Design 
  • Digital Media Technology
  • Fashion
  • Game Design
  • Interior Design
  • Photography

2. Mt. San Antonio College

Mount San Antonio College is a highly regarded community college offering outstanding student services and a top-of-the-line education.  To support student’s educational needs and prepare them for their careers, the college provides the best technology, over 25 free programs, and affordable tuition. The degrees you can receive at Mt. SAC are listed below:

• Undergraduate
  • Animation
  • Architectural Design
  • Architectural Technology
  • Fashion Design
  • Interior Design
  • Photography

3. El Paso Community College

El Paso Community College’s mission is to meet the educational needs of students, improve their quality of life, and prepare them for the workplace or transfer to four-year schools. In recognition of the challenges many students face while at college, the school strives for equality by providing opportunities and support for underrepresented students to achieve success and reach their career goals. El Paso Community College offers the following design degrees:

• Undergraduate
  • Advertising Graphics and Design 
  • Architecture
  • Computer-Aided Design
  • Fashion Technology: Design
  • Fashion Technology: Illustration
  • Interior Design
  • Personal Design

Are You Still Struggling to Find the Right College for Your Design Career Path?

There are over 5,300 colleges in the United States, making it difficult to choose a school. Finding the right college for you takes time and dedication, which is why we have compiled this list of HSI colleges to help you with your search. These colleges have been fundamental for paving the way forward for young Hispanic/Latinx students, allowing them to achieve more, and providing them the support they need to carve out a professional career. 

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