Protecting the independence of private, nonprofit institutions, and ensuring that all students, regardless of family income, have access to higher education, are the prisms through which NAICU views its policy choices and courses of action. In its simplest form, NAICU’s policy mission focuses on student aid, tax policy and appropriate regulation.
Below are additional NAICU resources to assist member institutions.


Advocacy Tools and Resources
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Reconciliation Advocacy Center. All the tools and materials to assist in reconciliation advocacy.
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Federal Higher Education Issues Summary. Learn NAICU’s positions on range of federal higher education from our two-page leave behind on public policy topics.
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Action Alerts on key actions taken by Congress or the Administration.
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Executive Orders affecting higher education issued by President Trump.
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Comment Letters and Letters to Capitol Hill. NAICU sends or signs-on to letters to Congress or key Administration officials on important public policy or regulatory issues.
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NAICU's Policy Statement for the 119th Congress, highlight our key legislative objectives.

Congressional Independent Colleges Caucus
Established in 2017, the bipartisan Caucus celebrates and advances the nation's private, nonprofit colleges and universities and is chaired by Reps. Ben Cline (R-VA) and Deborah Ross (D-NC).

Student Aid Alliance
Support the work of a coalition of 80 higher education organizations united in support of federal student aid. The Student Aid Alliance is raising awareness about the importance of federal student aid to America’s future via the Twitter campaign #SaveStudentAid.

Congressional Talking Points
NAICU encourages its members to meet with their Congressional delegation often. To assist in these meetings, NAICU prepares talking points to help convey and address the issues facing private, nonprofit higher education.

Section 127 Coalition
The Section 127 Coalition represents a diverse array of organizations, including trade associations, higher education institutions, and private employers dedicated to preserving and strengthening employer-provided educational assistance.
Federal Issue Briefs
NAICU's index of over three dozen policy areas affecting private, nonprofit higher education. These summaries provide an overview of the issue covered, a legislative history, and additional resources.
Free Public College
Track the advance of free public college programs across the country on this special webpage. Learn about the features offered in each state and view the news and opinion articles written about these quickly growing programs.
Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT)
Increasingly, private, nonprofit colleges and universities face the challenge of defending their nonprofit tax status. Knowing that these issues erupt in very different forms and at different times in states, NAICU developed a resource page that includes case studies, legal briefs, news reports, and strategies to be used as a reference for institutions facing similar circumstances.


Contact Congress
Below are resources for NAICU members to use when reaching out to members of Congress.
The Reconciliation Bill – What’s In, What’s Out, and What’s Next
July 9, 2025
The New DEI Guidance: Legalities, Practicalities, and Political Considerations
February 21, 2025
NAICU Policy Statement
View the NAICU Public Policy Objectives for the 118th Congress.