Joseph Gilmour

The National Association of Independent Colleges & Universities is the sole national organization representing private, nonprofit higher education institutions in the United States. The non-profit company is based in Washington, DC. The organization provides resources such as federal student aid data, research publications, policy briefs, webinars, and advocacy tools to assist members in navigating legislative and regulatory developments. Key initiatives include the Student Aid Alliance, a coalition advocating for federal student aid programs, and the Legal Services Review Panel, which addresses legal issues affecting independent colleges. It collaborates with state-level associations to coordinate advocacy efforts at both federal and state levels and offers guidance on significant federal policy changes affecting private institutions. The association supports members through training series, advocacy resources, and tools for congressional engagement, and is governed by a board of directors and a secretariat representing diverse regional and special-purpose associations. Founded in 1976, it advocates on public policy issues including student aid, tax policy, and regulatory matters to protect and promote the interests of its members, which encompass over 1,700 colleges and universities serving more than 5 million students nationwide.