The primary function of the Independent Colleges and Universities of Missouri (ICUM) is to represent its members before the Missouri General Assembly and its Executive branch of government as well as the Congress and the Federal Executive offices. 

In so doing, professional lobbying will represent the best interests of the member’s colleges and universities by fulfilling these functions:

  • Promoting and/or supporting legislation that defends or enhances the role of independent higher education.
  • Monitoring and rallying support against any proposed legislation, regulation, or rule which is detrimental to the role and causes of independent higher education.
  • Working with similar organizations as appropriate, to further independent higher education’s interests on national or regional issues.
  • Working with public higher education when projects or legislation give evidence of benefiting independent and public colleges and universities.

The mission of ICUM will be best fulfilled if all eligible institutions are members.  To that end, a professional lobbyist, guided by and responsible to the membership must provide such leadership and work within a guarded budget, so as to make member benefits obvious and membership fees reasonable.

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Independent Colleges and Universities of Missouri
P.O. Box 1865
Jefferson City, MO 65102-1865
(573) 635-9160
Fax: (573) 635-6258

Independent colleges and universities provide high quality and accessible post-secondary education.  Here are some of the reasons our students encourage you to consider an independent institution for continuing your education:

We are designed to help you succeed.  Students often tell us that small class sizes are one of the great advantages of independent colleges and universities.  If large lecture halls are not right for you, look into Missouri’s smaller and more personable independent institutions.

We are close to home.   Missouri’s independent colleges and universities are located throughout the state so there is one close to where you live and work.  We’re in many rural communities including Bolivar, Cabool and Canton. We're in urban areas including Columbia, Kansas City, St. Louis and Springfield.  Our convenient locations make it easier to fit a degree program into you family and work life.

We have the programs you want to study.  Missouri’s independent colleges and universities offer degree programs in a wide range of fields.  We grant most of the post-secondary degrees in the state in highly sought-after fields like health care and education.  Architecture and other fields are only available in-state through Missouri’s independent institutions.

We make college affordable.  Independent institutions are not taxpayer-subsidized so tuition is often higher than that at a public institution.  Yet Missouri’s independent colleges and universities set tuition at only about 60% of the actual cost.  Independent institutions raise funds to provide significant financial aid to students.  We remain at the forefront of advocating for programs like Access Missouri that enable students demonstrating financial need to enroll in the best institution for them – public or independent.