For independent, graduate only degree-granting colleges demonstrating a commitment to the liberal arts.
Graduate Member Benefits
*While most CIC member benefits are available to all CIC members, some programs are limited to specific membership categories. Please refer to the program’s web page for details.
- Leadership Development—Campus leaders and faculty members can participate in programs that allow them to learn from experts and share ideas on a range of timely topics that address key challenges of independent colleges and universities. Most are open only to members while some allow nonmembers to apply while giving preference to members. Among the key programs are:
- Faculty Development—Faculty members can apply to a range of programs that strengthen teaching, learning, and the quality and rigor of education on their campuses, including:
- Institutional Development—Member institutions can participate in consortial and campus team programs that aim to implement new campus initiatives by facilitating candid exchanges among key campus leaders. These opportunities include face-to-face networking, online engagement activities, and a complete set of implementation resources for participating institutional teams. Current programs include:
- Networks
- AI Ready Network—This network fosters learning, shares resources, and increases effective adoption related to artificial intelligence (AI)
- Belong: An Inclusive Learning Network—This network addresses the strategic priority for equitable student success by providing all-campus webinars, monthly “push resources,” microcredentials for faculty and staff, and a campus leader community of practice, all to promote a culture of belonging on your campus that increases student retention.
- Online Course Sharing Consortium—This national network provides a cost-saving and revenue-generating opportunity by supporting course sharing among participating institutions. The newly launched Skills Marketplace helps streamline access to credentials and certifications.
- Resources
- CIC Insights Tool —These enhanced benchmarking reports will help you understand your institution’s metrics compared to self-curated peers, prioritize areas for attention and potentially set targets, and communicate your findings with key stakeholders across your campus
- Solution Center—Members looking to streamline campus operations, increase engagement, or explore the latest in technology, the Solution Center connects you with the tools and services that can take your institution to the next level.
- Research Reports—Members receive CIC research reports that analyze current trends most relevant to presidents and other leaders of independent colleges and universities.
- Corporate Affiliate Program—CIC works with vendors to provide members with discounted services and products.
- Listservs by Campus Role—Member presidents and most cabinet members can participate in secure discussions with their counterparts at other member institutions to collaborate on best practices and to access an archive of documents and material resources.
- Webinars
- Media Relations— CIC represents members through channels such as published op-eds, articles, press releases, books, and national public information programs. CIC collects and analyzes data for timely responses to requests from news media or other organizations for data about independent colleges and universities.
- News and Publications—Members receive timely reports and email alerts on critical issues as well as CIC’s newsletter, The Independent.
Criteria
To qualify for Graduate Membership, an institution must:
- Be a nonprofit (501(c)3 IRS status), independent institution
- Offer a program leading to a graduate degree or its equivalent and no undergraduate degree programs
- Demonstrate a commitment to liberal arts and sciences
- Possess at least Candidacy Status of a United States regional or national accrediting association
- Have been in operation for a minimum of three years
Dues
The 2026–27 dues are $2,200.
For additional information, please contact memberservices@cic.edu.