Name That MSI
These institutions were established before 1964 with the primary mission of educating Black Americans. These institutions have historically served as critical spaces for Black intellectual development, leadership cultivation, and social mobility during and after segregation.
What are Historically Black Colleges and Universities aka (HBCUs)?
This Bronx-based community college was the first institution in the nation named after a Puerto Rican leader. The college is deeply connected to bilingual education, healthcare training, and access initiatives for historically underserved students.
What is Hostos Community College?
These institutions primarily award associate degrees and certificates that can often be completed in about two years. These colleges are commonly recognized for affordability, open-access admissions, and workforce preparation opportunities.
What are two-year colleges or Community Colleges?
This type of institution must enroll at least 25% undergraduate Hispanic full-time equivalent students. These institutions often focus on improving access, retention, and degree attainment for Latino/a/x students through culturally responsive programming and student support services.
What are Hispanic-Serving Institutions aka (HSIs)?
Located in Queens, this community college is recognized for its international student population and emphasis on experiential learning. The institution is known for programs that connect classroom learning with internships, civic engagement, and career preparation.
What is LaGuardia Community College?
These institutions typically award bachelor’s degrees and may also offer graduate and professional programs. These colleges often provide broader residential experiences, advanced research opportunities, and specialized academic majors.
What are four-year colleges and universities?
This MSI category includes institutions that enroll at least 10% undergraduate Asian American or Native American Pacific Islander students. These institutions often provide targeted academic, cultural, and community-based resources that address the diverse experiences of Asian American and Pacific Islander populations.
What are Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions aka (AANAPISIs)?
This Brooklyn community college is the only community college in New York City with a private beach. The institution is known for programs in maritime technology, tourism, and public service while serving a diverse commuter student population.
What is Kingsborough Community College?
This is a major difference between two-year and four-year colleges related to admissions requirements. Two-year colleges often use open admissions policies, while four-year institutions may require standardized test scores, essays, or higher GPA benchmarks.
What are admissions standards, admissions process, and/ or admissions selectivity?
These colleges and universities are controlled by Native American tribes and are unique because governance is tied directly to tribal authority. These campuses are often deeply connected to the educational, economic, and cultural priorities of Native communities. These institutions support tribal sovereignty while preserving Indigenous languages, traditions, cultures, and community-centered educational practices.
What are Tribal Colleges and Universities aka (TCUs)?
Located in Bayside, Queens, this community college is recognized for its strong STEM and transfer programs. The institution frequently partners with four-year colleges to support student transfer and degree completion opportunities.
What is Queensborough Community College?
While both institution types support student learning, this structural difference often shapes the student experience. Two-year colleges are largely commuter-based with flexible scheduling, whereas four-year colleges may emphasize residential life, campus traditions, and extended extracurricular involvement.
What is campus structure, student life experience and/or campus life?
These institutions often serve a high percentage of Black students but do not meet the historical requirements of an HBCU. These institutions frequently focus on expanding educational opportunity and promoting student success for Black and underserved populations in contemporary higher education settings.
What are Predominantly Black Institutions aka (PBIs)?
This Staten Island institution serves as both a community college and a senior college within the CUNY system. The college offers associate, bachelor’s, and graduate degree programs while emphasizing affordability and student access.
What is College of Staten Island?
Students often begin at a two-year college and then complete this process to earn a bachelor’s degree at a four-year institution. This pathway is commonly used to reduce educational costs and improve college access for first-generation and nontraditional students. Bonus if you can the process when a two-year institution has a partnership with another four-year institution to accept students seamlessly with a priority credit transfer system.
What is transferring?
Bonus Answer:
An articulation agreement is a partnership between two-year and four-year colleges that outlines how credits will transfer between them.