The Council of Independent Colleges (CIC)

CIC Collaborating Partner one-pager

CIC website

The Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) is an association of nonprofit independent colleges and universities that has worked since 1956 to support college and university leadership; advance institutional excellence; and enhance public understanding of private higher education’s contributions to society.

CIC is the major national organization that focuses on providing services to leaders of independent colleges and universities as well as conferences, seminars, and other programs that help institutions to improve the quality of education, administrative and financial performance, and institutional visibility. CIC also provides support to state fundraising associations that organize programs and generate contributions for private colleges and universities.

Eligibility for CIC membership is open to all small and mid-sized private liberal arts colleges and universities in the U.S., as well as those located outside the U.S. Two-year independent institutions and nonprofit organizations that support the purposes of independent higher education are also eligible to be members of CIC.