Marketing & Communications
Division of University Relations and Development
News Release
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Contact: Steve Dolan SDSU Ranks Among Top Universities for Hispanic
Graduates SAN DIEGO, Monday, May 6, 2002 — San Diego State University continues to be one of the nation's leading institutions for Hispanic graduates. The Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education magazine's May 6 edition, which ranked the nation's top 100 colleges for Hispanics based on data from 1999-2000, placed SDSU fifth nationally in bachelor's degrees awarded to Hispanics with 1,072. That figure also put SDSU second in California behind only California State University, Los Angeles, which conferred 1,089 degrees to Hispanics. SDSU is also ranked 12th in the nation and fourth in California for master's degrees awarded to Hispanics, with 185. For Hispanic student enrollment, SDSU ranked second in the nation among Carnegie-classified Doctoral-Research Intensive institutions and seventh among all U.S. universities with 6,394. "This is one more clear indication of SDSU's success in diversifying our campus," said SDSU President Stephen L. Weber. "SDSU is dedicated to providing a learning environment where students from all backgrounds, abilities and perspectives can thrive academically and gain the skills needed to succeed in life." SDSU also earned Top 10 rankings for Hispanic graduates in the following academic and professional disciplines:
SDSU supports many programs designed to help Hispanics succeed in the college environment. They include the Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) Program, which helps disadvantaged and first-generation students excel in math and science; and the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), which provides academic, career and personal counseling. SDSU also is committed to help more Hispanics in the community set their sights on a college education and qualify for it. Examples of this commitment include SDSU's Compact for Success partnership with the Sweetwater Union High School District, the most diverse high school district in California. Compact for Success guarantees admission to SDSU to all district students who graduate in 2006, 2007 and 2008 and meet certain program requirements. SDSU's City Heights Educational Pilot program aims to improve test scores and reduce teacher turnover in City Heights, the most ethnically diverse neighborhood in San Diego, ultimately resulting in improved preparation for higher education among students. This program involves more than 100 faculty members from 40 departments in supporting families and educating children in City Heights. Partners include SDSU, Price Charities, the San Diego Education Association and the San Diego Unified School District. "We enrolled our most diverse freshman class ever in the fall 2001 semester," Weber said. "That's important to us, because we believe diversity enriches our academic environment." Adalyn Hixson, editor of The Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education, lauded SDSU for its impact on Hispanics. "San Diego State should stand up and take a bow," she said. "The university is doing a great job of recruiting, retaining and graduating Hispanics. It is clearly a vital part of the education pipeline." San Diego State University is the oldest and largest higher education institution in the San Diego region. Founded in 1897, SDSU has grown to offer bachelor's degrees in 78 areas, master's degrees in 61 areas and doctorates in 13. SDSU's more than 34,000 students participate in academic curricula distinguished by direct contact with faculty and an increasing international emphasis that prepares them for a global future. For more information log on to www.sdsu.edu. ### |
