About Us

The Nebraska Independent College Foundation (NICF) was founded in July 1953 as one of 38 state and regional organizations representing more than 600 independent colleges and universities across the country. Since our founding, NICF has presented the case for independent, liberal arts education to Nebraska's corporate community. Through calls on business leaders across the state, we report on campus programs and outline the benefits of supporting NICF's annual campaign for Nebraska's independent, non-tax-supported colleges and universities. Through NICF, business leaders have the opportunity to consider the benefits these colleges and universities and their over 15,000 students provide to Nebraska and the nation.

Since its founding in 1953, NICF has raised over $43 million for its member colleges and universities. The corporate and educational partnership promoted through NICF continues to provide important unrestricted operating funds and scholarship support annually for students attending Nebraska's institutions of excellence.

Facts about NICF

• Over 75% of all students attending NICF member colleges receive financial aid.
  
• NICF colleges enroll the highest percentage of minority students in the state.
  
• The average student-facilty ratio of an NICF school is 14:1.
  
• NICF colleges operate on an average annual budget of $140 million which generates a $300 million spending impact on Nebraska.
  
• Nebraska's independent colleges award more than one-fourth of all baccalaureate degrees awarded in the state and more than one-half in some areas such as nursing.
  
• A high percentage of students attending NICF institutions stay in Nebraska, creating a "brain gain" for Nebraska businesses.
  
• Family incomes of students attending private colleges are equal to those attending state universities.
• Combined, NICF institutions are one of the top ten largest employers in Nebraska.

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