About Us

The Independent Colleges & Universities of Florida (ICUF) is a diverse association of 29 private, educational institutions. These colleges and universities award 22 percent of Florida’s bachelor degrees and one-third of 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 133,000 students at 132 sites around Florida. They offer bachelor degree opportunities on 21 community college campuses. Their enrollments vary from approximately 100 to over 29,000 students. Their average class has 19 students.

These institutions are funded through student tuition 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). Just under 80% of undergraduate students at ICUF institutions receive financial aid. Independent colleges or universities offer access to opportunity.

If the 29 members of the Independent Colleges & Universities of Florida were one university, it would have:

  • More than 133,000 students
  • Nearly 52% of students Florida residents
  • 46% of Florida students are minorities
  • 132 education sites around Florida — 30 sites on community college campuses
  • 97% of all classes with fewer than 40 students
  • Students finish bachelor degrees in 4.1 years
  • More than 17,000 bachelor degree graduates a year, 22% of Florida’s total awards
  • More than 12,500 graduate and first professional degrees (doctors, lawyers, dentists, pharmacists, optometrists and podiatrists) a year,
  • Campuses with approximately 100 students and campuses with over 29,000 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, theater, art and writing
  • Nearly 800,000 alumni
  • Various sources of financial aid for just under 80% of undergraduates, averaging over $12,000 per student
  • Budget more than $1.3 billion
  • Received only 3% of the state’s higher-education budget, but awards nearly 1/3 of all degrees.