Western Oregon University Becomes First Public Four-Year HSI in Oregon, Unlocking New Opportunities for Students

Monmouth, OR – Western Oregon University (WOU) has made history as Oregon's first public four-year university to earn the federal Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) designation, a milestone announced on April 21, 2025. This recognition, granted after WOU's undergraduate Hispanic enrollment reached 25% for two consecutive years, positions the university to access millions in federal grants to enhance support for Latino and low-income students.

"This designation not only reflects our commitment to supporting Latino students but also enhances our ability to provide resources and opportunities that will benefit all our students," said WOU President Jesse Peters in a statement with OPB. The achievement follows years of community engagement with the Willamette Valley's Latino populations, with WOU's Latino and Hispanic student population growing by 30% since 2010.

The HSI status unlocks eligibility for federal funding to bolster programs like academic advising, tutoring, and wrap-around services tailored to Latino and low-income students. "Being a Hispanic-serving institution is so much more about who we are as a community than it is about funding opportunities," said WOU's Ana Vargas, emphasizing the university's dedication to student support regardless of funding. A March 2025 report from the American Council on Education noted that funded four-year HSIs award more bachelor's degrees to Latino students than non-minority-serving institutions, highlighting the potential impact of such resources.

For WOU, a small regional university with about 3,750 students, the designation comes at a critical time. The university has faced a nearly 40% enrollment decline over the past decade and ongoing budget challenges. The HSI status could provide a financial lifeline, enabling WOU to expand services like the Freedom Center, a space for students of color that opened in 2021, and initiatives like a recent $650,000 state grant to support Latinx students in the nearby Central School District.

However, the timing of the designation raises concerns. The Trump administration has signaled plans to cut funding for programs perceived as race-based, potentially threatening HSI grants. Recent policy shifts, such as the March 2025 decision to bar undocumented students from federal TRIO programs, underscore the administration's focus on restricting aid. Despite these challenges, WOU remains committed to its diverse student body, with over 30% of students identifying as people of color.

As WOU navigates potential federal funding cuts, its HSI status signals a commitment to transforming higher education for a growing Latino population. Students and faculty are encouraged to engage with campus resources, including the Multicultural Student Services and Programs office, to maximize the benefits of this historic designation.