The Organization

Chartered by the State of South Carolina as a non-profit, tax-exempt corporation in 1953, the South Carolina Independent College and Universities, Inc. (SCICU) is a charitable organization that is directed by a Board of Trustees composed of leading citizens representing a cross-section of the higher education, business, and civic leadership in South Carolina.

Members

SCICU represents 21 independent colleges and universities each with a unique historical, cultural, and in many instances, faith background. Included in the membership are five historically black colleges and universities.

To be eligible for membership in SCICU, an institution must meet the following criteria: (1) be a two or four-year college or university with its primary emphasis upon the liberal arts; (2) receive qualified accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools; (3) be a non-profit institution; and (4) be headquartered in South Carolina.

Mission

Our mission is to strengthen South Carolina’s independent colleges and universities through collaboration, governmental advocacy, fundraising, and public engagement so that every student may choose, afford, and earn an independent college education that fits their personal values, professionaland social aspirations, and approach to learning.

Providing a Public Benefit

SCICU’s 21 private, non-profit institutions of higher learning enroll over 34,000 undergraduate students each year and offer a wide variety of traditional degree programs as well as accelerated and evening programs for adults. These colleges and universities play a significant role in helping the state achieve its economic and postsecondary education goals in three key areas: (1) Increasing choices and opportunities for postsecondary education, (2) Strengthening our state’s economy and future tax base by preparing students to compete in today’s knowledge economy on a local and global level, and (3) Creating the next generation of value-oriented leaders firmly grounded in the precept of service above self.