AAC&U is the leading national association dedicated to advancing the vitality and public standing of liberal education by making quality and equity the foundations for excellence in undergraduate education in service to democracy. Its members are committed to extending the advantages of a liberal education to all students, regardless of academic specialization or intended career. Founded in 1915, AAC&U now comprises 1,400 member institutions—including accredited public and private colleges, community colleges, research universities, and comprehensive universities of every type and size.
Guided by its mission, AAC&U organizes its work around the following strategic goals
Champion faculty-engaged, evidence-based sustainable models and strategies for promoting quality in undergraduate education.
Advance equity across higher education in service to academic excellence and social justice.
Lead institutions and communities in articulating and demonstrating the value of liberal education for work, life, global citizenship, and democracy.
Catalyze reform in higher education to emphasize discovery and innovation as fundamental aspects of a liberal education.
Through its programs, publications, events, and public advocacy, AAC&U reinforces the collective commitment to liberal education at the national, local, and global levels. AAC&U helps individual institutions ensure that the quality of student learning is central to their work as they evolve to meet new economic and social challenges.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Association of American Colleges and Universities is to advance the vitality and public standing of liberal education by making quality and equity the foundations for excellence in undergraduate education in service to democracy.
