9500 Gilman Drive,
Dept. 0337
La Jolla, CA 92093-0337
(619) 534-4831
www.ucsd.edu

Undergraduate population: 16,000
Hispanic students: 10%
Type of school: public
Setting: city
Tuition & fees: $3,800 (in-state), $13,600 (out-of-state)
Most popular majors:
biochemistry, psychology,
biology, political science, physiology.

UCSD is a renowned research institute, ranked #31 on America’s Best Colleges. The university is made up of five colleges, each with its own curriculum and requirements, thereby creating a more intimate academic setting and a
community atmosphere. Latin American studies are available, and UCSD houses the Center for U.S.-Mexican Studies.

Byerly Hall
8 Garden Street
Cambridge, MA 02138
(617) 495-1551
www.harvard.edu

Undergraduate population: 6,700
Hispanic students: 8%
Type of school: private
Setting: city outskirts
Tuition & fees: $25,000
Most popular majors: economics, government, biology, English, biochemistry.

Ranked #2 on America’s Best Colleges, second only to Princeton, Harvard is one of the oldest and most respected universities in the world. Located in the outskirts of Boston, it offers a social life both on and off its campus. El Concilio Latino organizes the nearly 20 Hispanic
student groups, including the Latino Caucus and Latino fraternities and
sororities. Courses are offered in Latin American, Latino, and Iberian studies, and Harvard students praise the college’s all-around quality of life.

1147 Murphy Hall
Box 941436,
Los Angeles, CA 90095
(310) 825-3101
www.ucla.edu

Undergraduate population: 24,000
Hispanic students: 15%
Type of school: public
Setting: urban
Tuition & fees: $3,698 (in-state), $13,502 (out-of-state)
Most popular majors:
psychology, economics,
political science.

Because of its popular sports teams and key location in Los Angeles, some say UCLA is a party school. But its academics are at least on a par with the social life, as evidenced by its ranking of #25 in America’s Best Colleges. UCLA offers both Hispanic American and Latin American studies, and Latinos can join a variety of groups, including the Latin American Student Association, el Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlán (MEChA), and Raza Women.

Box 2231, P.O. Box 5000
Amherst, MA 01002-5000
(413) 542-2328
www.amherst.edu

Undergraduate population: 1,700
Hispanic students: 7%
Type of school: private
Setting: small town
Tuition & fees: $25,200

Most popular majors:
economics, English,
political science, psychology, history.
In addition to its general ranking, U.S. News & World Report selects the best liberal arts colleges,* and this year, Amherst was #1. While its size ensures close professor-student relationships, the fact that the college does not have a fixed curriculum makes it best suited for independent-minded students. La Casa organizes workshops, guest lectures, and social events, while La Causa is a popular student group. One special feature: A course called “The Sounds of Spanglish” taught by the well-known professor and author Ilan Stavans.

*Liberal arts colleges emphasize undergraduate education and award at least 40 percent of their degrees in liberal arts disciplines.

1130 Amsterdam Avenue
MC 2807
New York, NY 10027
(212) 854-2522
www.columbia.edu

Undergraduate population: 4,000
Hispanic students: 10%
Type of school: private
Setting: big city
Tuition & fees: $24,974
Most popular majors: engineering, education, personal services, communications technologies.

The two qualities that distinguish Columbia from its
fellow “Ivies” are its racially and ethnically diverse
student body and its college campus: New York City. The school offers a wide selection of excellent academic
programs, which include numerous courses in Latin American studies, thereby earning its rank as #10 on America’s Best Colleges. While the Big Apple gives students access to many
cultural and social treasures, the experience can be overwhelming for those without an independent streak.