Nonprofit consortium representing 85 independent colleges and universities across Pennsylvania.
The Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania (AICUP) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1995 through the affiliation of three existing educational organizations. It serves as an advocacy and coordination body for 85 independent nonprofit colleges and universities across Pennsylvania, distinguishing them from state and state-related institutions. AICUP staff engage with policymakers, coordinate joint activities among member institutions, and provide legislative and regulatory guidance.
AICUP's 85 member institutions collectively serve 280,000 students, representing 52% of all four-year degree-seekers in Pennsylvania. According to a 2024 NPR and PBS study, Pennsylvania ranks as the second-most-popular destination in the USA for out-of-state college students, with two-thirds of those out-of-state students attending AICUP member colleges. The organization hosts annual student advocacy days at the Pennsylvania State Capitol that attract hundreds of students from across the state.
AICUP confers annual awards recognizing outstanding service in higher education among its member institutions. The organization collaborates with peer organizations nationwide, including the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU), on legislative action and policy advocacy.