What are Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs)?

Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs) are colleges and universities in the United States that serve a substantial number of Asian American, Native American, and Pacific Islander students. To qualify as an AANAPISI, an institution must meet the following criteria:

1. At least 10% of the undergraduate student body must be Asian American, Native American, and/or Pacific Islander students.

2. AANAPISIs are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and are eligible for specific federal grants and funding aimed at improving educational access and outcomes for these communities.

3. AANAPISIs can be a range of institution types, including community colleges, liberal arts colleges, and research universities.

The AANAPISI designation is part of a broader federal initiative to support institutions that serve underrepresented and underserved student populations, aiming to improve educational opportunities and reduce disparities in higher education.