The United States is unique in the Western World in the extent to which independent (or private) colleges and universities are critically important to meeting the society’s higher education needs.  While the development of public colleges and universities has been essential for the nation’s growth and prosperity, any list of the nation’s greatest research universities and finest liberal arts colleges continues to be headed by independent institutions. Thus, just as the private sector is the engine of American industrial and commercial enterprise, a healthy, vibrant private sector in America’s higher education system creates the environment for sustained excellence.

The Value of Independence

Early Americans formed private associations to address a variety of public needs.  This practice was so distinct from the way things were done in Europe that this unique characteristic of the young republic was given special attention by the French statesman and author, Alexis de Tocqueville, in his classic work, Democracy in America.

Today’s independent colleges continue to be sustained primarily through private support and their ability to attract students because of innovation, efficiency, and the quality of their services.  As de Tocqueville recognized, these private associations formed to educate students reflect a distinctly American way to achieve a worthy purpose -- and our independent colleges are an important link in the preservation of this distinctly American trait.

The Value of Independents

The diversity of America’s independent colleges is the jewel in the crown of the finest higher education system in the world. While public colleges and universities have grown to enroll a majority of college students, these institutions are remarkably similar, even if excellent.  In contrast, the nation’s independent colleges and universities are wonderfully diverse, making it hard to draw generalizations about them.  They are small, medium-sized, and large.  They are rural, urban, and suburban.  Some are church-related or have historically served minority communities, while others are counted among the few greatest research universities in the world.  They are varied in their missions, special emphases, and their strengths – enabling them to best meet the individual needs of millions of students.  Over 1,600 independent institutions, spread throughout the nation, are the economic engines and cultural centers in the regions they serve.

It’s also hard to generalize about students at independent colleges.  While many independent colleges are highly selective, most are not, and some take great pride in welcoming any student and working hard to assure their success.  Similarly, taken as a whole, independent college students are just as likely as their public institution counterparts to be a member of a minority group, be a first-generation college student, or qualify for a Pell Grant on the basis of high financial need.  But, independent college students are much more likely to be retained and graduated in four years.

The Values of Independents

The core curricula of independent colleges are also wonderfully varied, reflecting the deeply-held beliefs of the faculties and the values of founders and leaders.  Many independent colleges are faith-related, but whether faith-related or secular, independent colleges focus on the values that will help their graduates provide leadership in a rapidly-changing world.

In Conclusion…

As the nation continues to address its needs for higher education, independent colleges will continue to be an essential ingredient if our system is to remain the envy of the world.  For corporate, philanthropic and individual donors, America’s private colleges and universities continue to be a wise investment for the future and for excellence.