FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SDSU Ranks 7th in the Nation for Bachelor's Degrees Awarded to Hispanics

SAN DIEGO, Monday, May 12, 2003 - San Diego State University ranks seventh in the nation and second in California for the number of bachelor's degrees awarded to Hispanics, according to the latest edition of The Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education.

In 2000-2001, SDSU awarded 1,001 of its 5,083 bachelor's degrees to Hispanics - 19.7 percent of the total conferred that year.

Nancy Marlin, SDSU Provost, said that the percentage of Hispanic graduates at SDSU continued to rise in 2001-2002. "Last year, more than one-fifth of the bachelor's degrees we conferred were awarded to Hispanics," she said. "Almost all universities profess their commitment to ethnic diversity. What distinguishes SDSU is our clear record of success to accompany our strong commitment."

Hispanic Outlook produces the "Top 100 Colleges for Hispanics" rankings annually. The information is based on data gathered by the U.S. Department of Education's National Center of Education Statistics.

"We're pleased to see SDSU continue to excel at retaining a high number of Hispanic students and faculty," said Suzanne Lopez-Isa, Hispanic Outlook's managing editor. "The university is doing an excellent job at providing the education that will ultimately produce additional leaders in our community."
SDSU ranked highly in a number of other categories as well:

· SDSU ranked 10th among all "doctoral intensive" universities for Hispanic enrollment. Of 34,171 students enrolled at SDSU, 6,826 were Hispanic.

· SDSU ranked 12th in the nation for the number of master's degrees awarded to Hispanics (194).

· SDSU ranked 3rd in the nation for its number of psychology degrees awarded to Hispanics (101).

· SDSU ranked 4th in the nation for its number of foreign language degrees awarded to Hispanics (54).

· SDSU ranked 5th in the nation for its number of English literature degrees awarded to Hispanics (49).

· SDSU ranked 5th in the nation for its number of public administration degrees awarded to Hispanics (59).

· SDSU ranked 6th in the nation for its number of social service degrees awarded to Hispanics (142).

· SDSU ranked 6th in the nation for its number of mathematics degrees awarded to Hispanics (14).

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 62 areas and doctorates in 14. SDSU's more than 33,000 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.

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