CICU President Lola W. Brabham and members of the CICU Education Policy team joined independent college and university leaders from across the country at the NAICU Annual Meeting & Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C. The convening brought together higher education leaders to engage directly with federal policymakers on the most pressing issues affecting students and institutions nationwide.
At the forefront of this year’s discussions was the future of federal student aid. As recent policy changes reshape loan programs and introduce new accountability standards, CICU used this opportunity to elevate the concerns of New York’s independent colleges and universities — the second largest higher education ecosystem in the country. Conversations focused on protecting access to affordable federal aid, clarifying the definition of professional degree programs, addressing changes to Grad and Parent PLUS loans, and ensuring that federal regulations do not unintentionally limit opportunity for students pursuing high-need careers.
Throughout the conference and Capitol Hill meetings, CICU reinforced a clear message: student aid is not simply a financial tool — it is a gateway to opportunity. For nearly half a million students enrolled in New York’s private, not-for-profit colleges and universities, federal and state aid programs are essential to enrollment, persistence, and completion. Policies that restrict access to these resources risk narrowing pathways to advanced education and workforce participation.
CICU will continue working in partnership with national associations, campus leaders, and policymakers to strengthen student aid programs and develop solutions that expand access, protect affordability, and support institutional stability. Advocacy does not end in Washington — it continues in Albany and across our campuses as we remain focused on ensuring that every student has a clear and attainable pathway to higher education.
When we protect student aid, we protect opportunity — for students, for institutions, and for New York’s future.
