25 Years as a Hispanic-Serving Institution

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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.

Excelencia Seal

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!

 

Learn More

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.


Graduation Ceremony

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. 

Student working with PACT counselor

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: 

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HSI STEM and Articulation Program Grant

We’re the proud recipients of a $4.9 million grant that will assist us in carrying out STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) initiatives for Hispanic and low-income students.

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2022-23 NEA Big Read

Teaching our students to appreciate culture that comes from important literature, including book talks, workshops, lectures and other activities. The Mercy Community will be reading several books focusing on the hispanic experience including "Infinite Country" by Patricia Engel and "Areli is a Dreamer" by Areli Morales. 

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ACCESS Grant

The grant expands opportunities for Hispanic students in high-demand health science careers by enhancing our academic offerings and program quality as well as increasing training slots. This is done with the goal of meeting the pressing need for nurses, particularly in the NY Metropolitan area. 

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Technology Pilot Program Supported by Google

Mercy University is one of five colleges and universities nationwide selected to pilot a new program supported by Google that aims to encourage diversity, equity and inclusion in the technology industry by preparing students in underrepresented groups for high-growth careers in technology.

Mercy's 25 Years as a Hispanic-Serving Institution

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1998

Mercy designated as an Hispanic-Serving Institution
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2015

Mercy Recognized by the White House as a Bright Spot in Hispanic Education
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2019

Hispanic students at Mercy reach 10 year graduation rate high
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2020

PACT named an Example of Excelencia finalist
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2020

Mercy recognized by HACU as a national leader in awarding bachelor's degrees to Hispanics
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2021

Hispanic students make up 37% or Mercy's graduating class

Meet the Mercy Community

Lauren Cassanova

Lauren Casanova '23

Nursing, Mercy Scholar

"I’m one of the few that are given the opportunity to get my bachelor’s degree debt free and not have to worry about the financial burden, financial stress and be able to make everyone proud. To know that I have people that I can turn to and that are supporting me and rooting for me means a lot."

David Arias - Mercy College Vet Tech Alum

David Arias, DVM '16

Veterinary Technology

"No matter where you come from, no matter your past, no matter your obstacles in front of you, you're able to do anything in this life. As long as you believe in yourself, and people believe in you, and that's what Mercy University did for me."

Mathematics Professor

Rosaura Uscanga

Assistant Professor, Mathematics

"Representation is everything. When you see other people that look like you doing things, then you start believing that you are also able to do them. And it’s really hard when you don’t have that representation to imagine what you can achieve. We have to step up to the plate and make sure that we are giving the students what they deserve."