Latino Leaders Magazine rated Baylor University as one of the top 50 universities for Latinos in the U.S. The list represents the top universities that excelled in their performance, outreach, and academic level in their relation with the Latino student population, according to data compiled from the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, U.S. News & World Report, and other reporting agencies.

Latino Leaders Magazine highlighted Baylor’s variety of academic programs: 142 undergraduate degree programs, 75 master’s programs and 42 doctoral programs, which are “assets for Latino students who want both high academic standards and proximity to their families, who live primarily in the Lone Star State,” as well our Hispanic Student Association, which can “foster an enriching experience of the Hispanic culture, heritage and traditions in the Baylor and Waco communities while empowering and supporting students with their personal development, and advocating for a diverse and inclusive environment.”

Baylor has been committed to supporting Latino students for many years. Baylor has been an institutional member of the Hispanic Association for Colleges and Universities (HACU) for over twenty-five years, through which students have been selected as student fellows at national conferences. HACU provides scholarships, internships, international meetings, and opportunities to meet Latino scholars as well as business leaders. Baylor has also been a long-time institutional member of the Texas Association of Chicanos in Higher Education (TACHE) and recently partnered with McLennan Community College and Texas State Technical College to create the inaugural Heart of Texas TACHE Chapter. Officers and members consist of representatives from all three Waco institutions.

Last fall, the Latino student enrollment rate reached 15%, resulting in Baylor University’s identification as an “Emerging” Hispanic-Serving Institution through the U.S. Department of Education. Baylor also held the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference on October 18, 2016, at which around 250 people gathered from around the country to discuss strategies and solutions to increase Latino student college graduation rates.

Dr. Elizabeth Palacios, Dean for Student Development, said, “After 35 years at Baylor, I am excited to see the Latino community has not only grown in numbers, but in impact as well. The Hispanic population is the largest minority group and second fastest growing community in the United States. Our Baylor Latino students come from a diverse array of cities, states, and countries! The Latino culture is rich in traditions, including faith and spirituality. As Baylor University continues to be intentional in reaching out to all students of color, no doubt our campus will continue to benefit from the rich tapestry of heritages!”