"The Importance of Minority-Serving Institutions January 16, 2012, 7:53 pm By Marybeth Gasman This past week the Institute for Higher Education Policy released a report titled The Role of Minority-Serving Institutions in National College Completion Goals. The report urges the nation to look closely at minority-serving institutions (MSI's) and their work with underrepresented minorities for clues on student learning and student success. It also emphasizes the role of MSI's in educating a disproportionate number of low-income and first-generation students. Nearly 98 percent of the black and Native American students who attend MSI's are eligible for need-based financial aid. Moreover, almost 50 percent of MSI students receive Pell Grants in comparison to all students. These students, according to countless research studies, are some of the most difficult to retain and graduate as they have less access to quality education and opportunities."