Every three years, the Council of Independent Colleges administers a survey to member presidents to better understand their needs and how CIC can best support our member institutions. In 2025, 13 percent responded to the survey; they were representative of the membership overall.
Our members continue to find value in CIC programming, networks, and resources. They are particularly pleased with how well we respond to current issues in independent higher education. The most pressing issues have shifted from student-centered to external pressures, though financial health continues to be a challenge.
In 2025, members noted the following issues to be top of mind:
- The financial model for higher education and financial health and sustainability
- The public perception of higher education
- Navigating federal policy and legislation
- Adapting to technological change
This contrasts with the 2022 survey when the top issues were:
- Institutional effectiveness and efficiency and use of data
- Financial health and sustainability
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Democracy and student voice