AICUP Testimony

On February 24, 2021, Tom Foley, President of the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania (AICUP) presented testimony before the PA House Education Committee, outlining the economic impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on Pennsylvania's independent, nonprofit colleges and universities. Since the beginning of the pandemic, AICUP schools have lost a combined $851 million, making their 2021-2022 state funding more important than ever.

On June 9, 2020, Tom Foley, President of the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania (AICUP) presented testimony before the PA Senate Education Committee, outlining the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on Pennsylvania's independent, nonprofit colleges and universities. In just the spring semester of this year, schools lost an estimated $426 million. However, faculty and staff have been working hard to keep students safe, educated, and engaged during these difficult times.

On October 16, 2019, Tom Foley, President of the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania (AICUP) gave testimony  to the PA House Democratic Policy Committee regarding student loan debt. In his testimony, he asked lawmakers to fully fund PHEAA's Direct Student Grant Program and PHEAA's Ready to Succeed Scholarship Program to help undergraduates achieve their educational aspirations without taking on the burden of steep financial debt.

On March 26, 2019, Tom Foley, President of the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania (AICUP) gave testimony to the PA Joint Democratic Policy Committee regarding college affordability. Students at independent, 4-year nonprofit colleges and universities have graduated with an average debt level of $34,352. It is the goal of AICUP schools to keep student debt as low as possible so the opportunity for a quality education is available to all.