About Us

The Independent Colleges & Universities of Florida (ICUF) is a diverse association of 28 private, educational institutions. These colleges and universities award 26 percent of Florida’s bachelor degrees and one-third all degrees. ICUF institutions are non-profits, Florida-based and (like Florida’s public universities and community colleges) accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools (SACS). They serve more than 120,000 students at 180 sites around Florida. They offer bachelor degree opportunities on 18 community college campuses. Their enrollments vary from less than 100 to nearly 25,000 students. Their average class has 19 students.

These institutions are funded through student tuitions that can be paid using: federal loans; federal Pell Grants; Florida Bright Futures Scholarships and other merit scholarships; pre-paid tuition plans; need-based assistance; institution awards; scholarships from the Florida Independent College Fund; and the Florida Resident Access Grant (FRAG). ICUF institutions award financial aid to 85% of their students. Independent colleges or universities offer access to opportunity.

If the 28 members of the Independent Colleges & Universities of Florida were one university, it would have:

More than 113,000 degree-seeking students
Nearly 60% of students Florida residents
44% of Florida students are minorities
180 education sites around Florida — 38 sites on community college campuses
Average class size of 20 students — 84% of all classes with fewer than 30 students
Students finish bachelor degrees in 4.1 years
14,100 bachelor degree graduates a year, 26% of Florida's total awards each year
More than 10,100 graduate degrees and first professional degrees (doctors, lawyers, dentists, pharmacists, optometrists and podiatrists) a year, 37% of master degrees, 42% of doctoral degrees and 56% first professional degrees in the state
Campuses with less than 100 students and campuses with nearly 25,000 students
Nearly all community college transfers admitted to the program they choose
159 women's sports programs and 146 men's sports programs
Nearly 3,000 arts scholarships in music, voice, dance, theatre, art and writing
Nearly 600,000 alumni
Financial aid going to more than 80% of its undergraduates, averaging more than $11,000
Budget more than $1 billion
6.1% enrollment growth rate
Twenty–one education programs, preparing 5,000 teachers — 29% of Florida's new teacher production, 11 nursing programs, 10 engineering programs and 7 institutions offer on-line degree programs; and
Received only 3% of the state's higher-education budget, but awards nearly 1/3 of all degrees.