National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU)

09/22/2026

A campus visit can turn a college on a student’s list into a place they can picture themselves.

Inside Higher Ed highlights how NAICU members, including Albion College, Baylor University, Marquette University and the University of Dayton, are making campus tours more personal for prospective students and families.

Read more: https://www.insidehighered.com/news/admissions/traditional-age/2026/09/21/colleges-invest-heavily-creating-perfect-campus-tour.

As it becomes increasingly evident that getting a student to visit campus is one of the best ways to convince them to enroll, colleges are overhauling their tours.

09/17/2026

Today is Constitution Day.

Under federal law, all colleges and universities that receive federal funding are required to conduct an educational program relating to the U.S. Constitution in observance of the day. Institutions have flexibility in determining how they meet this requirement.

Congress enacted the law to commemorate the signing of the Constitution on September 17, 1787, and to promote civic awareness and understanding of the Constitution.

NAICU has resources to help campuses meet the federal requirement and recognize Constitution Day.

Learn more: https://www.naicu.edu/policy-advocacy/your-vote-your-voice/

09/15/2026

Today is National Voter Registration Day!

Since 2012, colleges and universities across the country have marked the day by encouraging students and campus communities to register to vote and participate in our democracy.

Find resources to support civic engagement on your campus: https://www.naicu.edu/policy-advocacy/your-vote-your-voice/

09/08/2026

NAICU’s Tim Powers, Vice President for Government Relations and Policy Development, spoke with the Associated Press about newly proposed IRS regulations affecting the tax-exempt status of private educational institutions.

“Our institutions are committed to complying with applicable civil rights laws and maintaining safe and supportive campuses free from discrimination,” Powers said. “However, the proposed rule may create new compliance burdens and legal uncertainties for institutions of higher education that are already operating in line with existing nondiscrimination rules.”

Read more from the Associated Press:

The Trump administration is proposing a rule that would strip private schools and colleges of their tax-exempt status if they provide targeted help to students based on their race.

08/04/2026

Private, nonprofit colleges and universities are a driving force behind America's workforce and economy.

A new report prepared by Parker Strategy Group on behalf of NAICU found that our sector:

• Generates $838.9 billion in annual economic impact
• Supports more than 4.1 million jobs
• Contributes $535.1 billion to U.S. GDP
• Produces $122.2 billion in annual tax revenue
These findings reinforce what our institutions do every day: educate tomorrow's workforce, fuel innovation, strengthen local economies, and create opportunity in communities across the country.

Read the press release: https://www.naicu.edu/news-events/news-from-naicu/2026/new-report-private-nonprofit-colleges-and-universities-generate-838-9-billion-in-annual-economic-impact-support-more-than-4-1-million-jobs/

08/04/2026

America's workforce and economy are stronger because of private, nonprofit colleges and universities.

New research from Parker Strategy Group, commissioned by NAICU, found our sector generates $838.9 billion in annual economic impact, supports more than 4.1 million jobs, contributes $535.1 billion to U.S. GDP, and generates $122.2 billion in annual tax revenue.

Every day, our institutions prepare the workforce employers need while creating lasting economic opportunities in communities across the country.

Read the full report: https://www.naicu.edu/research/national-economic-impact/

07/30/2026

Earlier this week, higher education leaders came together at the NAICUSE Summer Workshop for a timely discussion on the future of federal higher education policy.

The conversation explored the administration's priorities for affordability, accountability, workforce alignment, negotiated rulemaking, and the evolving federal regulatory landscape.

Pictured (left to right): Christopher Peace, President of Virginia Private Colleges and NAICUSE Vice Chair; Nicholas Kent, U.S. Under Secretary of Education; Jenna Colvin, President of the Georgia Independent College Association and NAICUSE Chair; and Barbara K Mistick, President of National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU).

Thank you to Nicholas Kent for joining us at the NAICUSE Summer Workshop and to Jenna Colvin for moderating a thoughtful conversation on the issues shaping the future of higher education.

07/28/2026

We've had a great start to this year's NAICUSE Summer Workshop in West Virginia, including hearing from Under Secretary of Education Nicholas Kent this morning. The program also allowed for some R&R, including a great day at the NAICUSE Golf Outing! ⛳

It was a beautiful day to connect, share some NAICU swag, and spend time with higher education leaders from across the country.

A special thanks to Matt Lindsey, President of the Kansas Independent College Association and Foundation, for being a great partner—and to all who helped make the outing such a great event.

Looking forward to another year of collaboration on and off the course.

07/17/2026

“Eliminating fixed awards creates financial instability for any kind of long-term project or multiyear project.”

NAICU’s Stephanie Giesecke on why predictable federal funding matters for colleges and universities. Read more in The Chronicle of Higher Education: https://www.chronicle.com/article/the-government-tried-to-cancel-colleges-grants-now-its-rewriting-the-rules-for-awarding-them

As the Trump administration looks to further reshape American research, higher ed has entered a new battle.

07/02/2026

As the 2026 midterm elections approach, NAICU encourages institutions to take advantage of resources available through its Your Vote, Your Voice initiative. These tools provide guidance on voter engagement, election-related activities, and institutional compliance to help campuses prepare for the months ahead.
https://www.naicu.edu/policy-advocacy/your-vote-your-voice/