CONTACT: Jennifer Zwiebel
SDSU Marketing & Communications
(619) 594-4298, (619) 242-1365 pager
jzwiebel@mail.sdsu.edu

SAN DIEGO, Monday, May 3, 2004 — For the second year in a row, San Diego State University ranked seventh in the nation for the number of bachelor’s degrees awarded to Hispanics, according to the latest edition of The Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education.

“This is an important distinction for our university because it demonstrates SDSU is an institution that values ethnic diversity in the academic success of our students, as evidenced in their graduation, and not simply diversity in our enrollment,” said SDSU Provost Nancy Marlin. “This graduation rate is a testament to the dedication of our faculty and the staff who assist our students in areas from academic counseling to campus life. Most importantly, it reflects the commitment and hard work of the students themselves.”

The new rankings are based on degrees conferred during the 2001-2002 academic year. That year, SDSU awarded 1,083 bachelor's degrees to Hispanic students, approximately 20.1 percent of the total of 5,388 bachelor's degrees awarded.

SDSU also awarded 182 master’s degrees to Hispanic students in 2001-2002. That ranked SDSU 16th among all universities in conferring master’s degrees on Hispanics, according to the latest edition of the magazine.

SDSU's pool of Hispanic graduates continued to increase in 2002-2003. That year, SDSU awarded 1,159 bachelor's degrees to Hispanics, 19.9 percent of the 5,816 bachelor's degrees awarded that year. The number of master’s degrees conferred on Hispanic students also increased to 201.

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.

SDSU is the oldest and largest institution of higher education in the San Diego region. Founded in 1897, SDSU offers bachelor's degrees in 79 areas, master's degrees in 67 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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