Advancing the Mission of PA’s Independent, Nonprofit Colleges & Universities

By focusing on advocacy, collaboration, research and communications, AICUP is committed to supporting the advancement of Pennsylvania’s independent, nonprofit colleges and universities.

Urge Congress to Double Pell

Pell Grants are a proven program and the fairest, most efficient way to help low-income and first-generation students access and complete college. Tell Congress now is the time to double the maximum Pell Grant!

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2025 Economic Impact Report

2025 Economic Impact Report

Find out how Pennsylvania’s largest sector of higher education helps to create:
• 200,000 jobs created and sustained by AICUP schools; among the Top Employers in PA
• $29 billion annual economic contrition by AICUP schools ($65 billion with affiliated hospitals)
• 7% of Pennsylvania’s economy when including AICUP schools’ teaching hospitals (“eds and meds”)
• 158 to 1 Return on Investment of state dollars by AICUP schools

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Making the Case for Independent Higher Ed

Pennsylvania’s independent, nonprofit colleges and universities are both accessible and affordable. They boost the state’s economy, improve the state’s workforce, and offer an excellent return on investment for the students who walk through their doors.

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Informing Legislators

AICUP’s Advocacy team regularly appears before state legislatures to highlight the value and benefits of an education from an independent, nonprofit college or university. These testimonies are important opportunities to help inform public policy, especially when it comes to funding and student aid.

Learn More

Urge Congress to Double Pell

Pell Grants are a proven program and the fairest, most efficient way to help low-income and first-generation students access and complete college. Tell Congress now is the time to double the maximum Pell Grant!

Learn More

2025 Economic Impact Report Economic Impact Report (NEW! 2025)

Find out how Pennsylvania’s largest sector of higher education helps to create:
• 200,000 jobs created and sustained by AICUP schools; among the Top Employers in PA
• $29 billion annual economic contrition by AICUP schools ($65 billion with affiliated hospitals)
• 7% of Pennsylvania’s economy when including AICUP schools’ teaching hospitals (“eds and meds”)
• 158 to 1 Return on Investment of state dollars by AICUP schools

Learn More

Making the Case for Independent Higher Ed

Pennsylvania’s independent, nonprofit colleges and universities are both accessible and affordable. They boost the state’s economy, improve the state’s workforce, and offer an excellent return on investment for the students who walk through their doors.

Read More

Informing Legislators

AICUP’s Advocacy team regularly appears before state legislatures to highlight the value and benefits of an education from an independent, nonprofit college or university. These testimonies are important opportunities to help inform public policy, especially when it comes to funding and student aid.

Learn More

Urge Congress to Double Pell

Pell Grants are a proven program and the fairest, most efficient way to help low-income and first-generation students access and complete college. Tell Congress now is the time to double the maximum Pell Grant!

Learn More

The Four Pillars of AICUP

Through government advocacy, research, and, most importantly, collaboration with our over 80 member schools, we work to raise awareness of the benefits, value, and quality of Pennsylvania’s independent, nonprofit colleges and universities.

The Economic Impact of AICUP Schools

Economic Impact Report (NEW! 2025)

Find out how Pennsylvania’s largest sector of higher education helps to create:

• 200,000 jobs created and sustained by AICUP schools; among the Top Employers in PA
• $29 billion annual economic contrition by AICUP schools ($65 billion with affiliated hospitals)
• 7% of Pennsylvania’s economy when including AICUP schools’ teaching hospitals (“eds and meds”)
• 158 to 1 Return on Investment of state dollars by AICUP schools

View Report

Business Efficiency Programs

Business Efficiency Programs

Pennsylvania’s independent colleges and universities have a well-deserved reputation for supporting collaborative business services projects. It’s a tribute to the AICUP membership that it leverages one another’s strengths in such a purposeful manner.

View Report

In the News

  • AICUP Mascots at the Capitol in Harrisburg

    October 28, 2025

    Fox 43, WGAL NBC 8, ABC 27.

    AICUP member college mascots from across Pennsylvania converged at the State Capitol in Harrisburg in an event covered by three television outlets: Fox 43, WGAL NBC 8, ABC 27.

  • Rethinking College Rankings

    Misty Evans

    October 3, 2025

    Insight Into Academia

    Quote: "In Pennsylvania, [Third Way’s Economic Mobility Index] spotlighted independent nonprofit institutions as the leaders in boosting economic mobility —20 of the top 25 were members of the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania.”

  • The myth of expensive private education needs to end

    Thomas P. Foley, AICUP President

    September 15, 2025

    Penn Live / Patriot News

Take Action

The future of Pennsylvania’s independent, nonprofit colleges and universities relies on dedicated community members advocating for philanthropic support, fair legislation, and increased accessibility for students. Whether legislator, student, faculty, or business owner, you too can take action and get involved by sharing our research, supporting our educational programs, or taking part in one of our many advocacy initiatives or events.

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As an AICUP member, you have exclusive access to special events, publications, and the latest resources from our team. Presidents, log in to your member portal to access your toolkit.

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