North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities

North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) is a consortium of 36 private, nonprofit liberal arts, research, and comprehensive colleges and universities in North Carolina. The organization focuses on providing student scholarship aid and enrichment programs to support higher education. NCICU serves students, educational institutions, and legislators by facilitating access to state, federal, and institutional financial aid, making private college education more affordable. The organization also engages in collaborative initiatives to create cost-saving and value-adding opportunities for its member institutions. These initiatives include negotiating purchasing agreements directly with businesses on behalf of its colleges and universities. By fostering deep collaboration among member libraries and other institutional departments, NCICU aims to enhance the educational experience and operational efficiency of its members. The business model revolves around leveraging collective bargaining power and collaborative efforts to provide financial and educational benefits to its stakeholders. NCICU generates revenue through membership fees, donations, and negotiated contracts with businesses.

Keywords: student scholarships, enrichment programs, private colleges, financial aid, collaboration, cost-saving, nonprofit, higher education, purchasing agreements, North Carolina.