Kentucky's independent, nonprofit colleges and universities play a critical role in the commonwealth’s postsecondary education system by serving more than 50,000 students and awarding 13,600 degrees annually. They also have a substantial impact on the state and local economies.

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AIKCU's mission is to advance the interests of its 18 member institutions by promoting affordability and student success through policy advocacy, strategic partnerships, and community engagement.

 

We focus on these areas:

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Advocacy. We serve as the voice of Kentucky's independent colleges and universities, advocating for policies that recognize the sector's critical role and help students access and afford a distinctive, high-quality education.

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Connection. We provide opportunities for our member groups to meet in person and online to share experiences and best practices with colleagues from other private institutions.

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Collaboration. We coordinate cost-saving agreements with businesses and vendors to save our members time and money on a wide range of goods, services, and insurance products.

Accreditation and Licensing
Our 18 member colleges and universities are all accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and licensed by the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education.

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Nonprofit Status

AIKCU is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that combines the missions of two earlier organizations, the Kentucky Independent College Foundation (a fundraising organization established in 1952) and the policy-focused Council of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities.