The report released by “Excelencia in Education” highlights the significant progress of Latinos in obtaining college degrees over the past five years. The data shows that these students accounted for the vast majority (79%) of the overall increase in degree-earning, with an increase of 4%. However, despite these advances, Latinos still lag behind other groups in terms of earning college degrees, with only 27% of them earning an associate's degree or higher in the 2021-22 school year, compared to 44% of other Americans, according to NBCNews.

Sarita Brown, co-founder and president of Excelencia in Education, emphasized the importance of increasing the number of Latinos with college degrees to meet the needs of the labor market and the country as a whole. It highlights the crucial role of educational institutions in accelerating the success of Latino students in higher education.

The report also highlights some key characteristics of Latino college students, such as their vast majority being first-generation students in their families to attend college. In addition, many receive financial aid but are cautious about taking out student loans, with only a quarter of Latino students taking out federal student loans. “This represents one of the lowest borrowing rates among all ethnic and racial groups — second only to Asian students”.

Another relevant aspect mentioned is the importance of the place where Latino students attend college. The report points out that a group of 600 institutions that serve Hispanics represent only 20 percent of all colleges and universities, but educate more than 60 percent of Latino students in the U.S. This highlights the importance of programs designed to ensure that Latino students complete college, such as the Institution's Seal of Excellence, which recognizes other institutions that help Hispanic students enroll, stay, and complete college.