Hostos Community College was established in 1968, born from the tireless advocacy of Puerto Rican and other Hispanic community leaders who demanded access to higher education in their own neighborhood. The institution’s creation was a direct response to community-led protests and calls for justice, culminating in the Board of Higher Education’s April 22, 1968 resolution to establish the College in the South Bronx. Named after the Puerto Rican philosopher, educator, and writer Eugenio María de Hostos (1839–1903), a legendary champion for justice, progress, and human rights, the College proudly embodies his vision.



The College opened its doors in September 1970 to a charter class of 623 students at the site of a former tire factory at 475 Grand Concourse. By 1974, enrollment had surpassed 2,000. That same year, Hostos earned full and unconditional accreditation from the Middle States Association, and the New York State Legislature passed a bill to acquire the “500 Building” across the Grand Concourse to address the College’s growing space needs.



During the mid-1970s fiscal crisis, efforts to merge Hostos with another institution were met with fierce resistance from the community and the College. Their unified defense led to the passage of the Landes Higher Education Act on June 9, 1976, which guaranteed Hostos' continued existence. 

To meet growing interest in the College, the campus now has seven main buildings and multiple locations within neighborhood buildings and the Bronx Terminal Market. Hostos takes pride in its well-equipped science, math, writing, and computer labs; its excellent physical education facilities; and its prestigious Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture, which for decades has showcased some of the most celebrated performers in Latin music such as Tito Puente, Albita, Miguel Zenón, and others.



Today, Hostos is recognized nationally as a model for student success and equity. The College has twice been named a Top Ten Community College in the nation by the Aspen Institute for Community College Excellence, and was selected as one of only six national winners of the U.S. Department of Education’s inaugural Postsecondary Student Success Recognition Program for its impact on underserved students. Hostos received a transformative $15 million gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, used to expand scholarships, launch the Hostos Research Center, and strengthen student services. In 2024, the College was also awarded a $2.86 million Title V Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions grant to improv access, retention, and graduation rates.



From its founding by community protest to its current place as a nationally recognized institution of higher learning, Hostos continues to fulfill its mission: to uplift, educate, and empower the South Bronx and beyond.