Since 1976, NAICU has represented private, nonprofit colleges and universities on public policy issues with the federal government.

In its simplest form, NAICU’s policy mission has three parts.

• First, to ensure that student aid programs continue to provide all Americans with access to the college of their choice.

• Second, to promote tax policy that helps families save and pay for college, and also helps private colleges fulfill their distinctive missions.

• And, third, to seek appropriate regulation of private colleges and universities that is sensitive to their diversity and independence while addressing society’s needs.

To help meet these goals, the NAICU staff meets with policymakers, tracks campus trends, conducts research, analyzes higher education issues, publishes information, helps coordinate state-level activities, and advises members of legislative and regulatory developments with potential impact on their institutions.