National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities

The unified voice of private, nonprofit higher education.

NAICU Annual Meeting and Advocacy Day 2025

2024 Annual Report Cover

NAICU Report

The Power and Value of Private, Nonprofit Higher Education

 

Supporting your voice in Washington, DC

Making the case since 1976, NAICU is the only national organization solely focused on representing private, nonprofit higher education on public policy issues in Washington, DC.

Your Champion & Advocate in Washington, DC

Protecting the independence of private, nonprofit institutions, and ensuring that all students, regardless of family income, have access to higher education, are the prisms through which NAICU views its policy choices and courses of action. NAICU’s policy mission has three core elements:

Protecting Student Aid
Protecting Student Aid

With its members, NAICU ensures adequate funding for core student aid programs, and protects those programs from excessive cuts.

Promoting Sound Tax Policy
Promoting Sound Tax Policy

NAICU works to maintain federal support for students and families through the current levels of tax benefits.

Seeking Appropriate Regulation
Seeking Appropriate Regulation

Tracking and responding to the growing regulatory demands placed on higher education institutions is a NAICU priority.

At a Glance: Independent Higher Education

1.1
Million graduates annually
$651.9
Billion in economic growth
1.2
Million people directly employed in private, non-profit higher education
3.4
Million jobs supported and sustained by private, nonprofit higher education
$2.8
Billion in combined impact of charitable giving & volunteerism

NAICU by the Numbers

NAICU is the only national association advocating solely on behalf of private, nonprofit colleges and universities in Washington, DC. The association represents all 1,700 private, nonprofit colleges and universities and more than 5 million students. 

The Value of NAICU Membership

  • Works regularly with Congress, the White House, and federal agencies
  • Tracks, analyzes, and summarizes policy, legislation and regulations
  • Provides tools, resources, legislative alerts, updates, and webinars
  • Serves as a convener and coalition builder