NCICU, or North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities, is comprised of the state’s 36 private, nonprofit liberal arts, research, and comprehensive colleges and universities accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). NCICU's board of directors is comprised of the presidents of each of the 36 institutions and the president of NCICU serves on the Governor's North Carolina Education Cabinet.

NCICU represents independent higher education in matters of state and federal public policy, in addition to being an advocate on issues in other sectors of education in the state.

We provide research and information to and about private colleges and universities, offer staff development opportunities, and coordinate collaborative programs among the colleges and universities.

As advocates of independent higher education in the state, we assist in the creation of programs, seek funding for scholarships for high school and college stude