California's first independent institutions of higher learning began to establish themselves in 1851, nearly 15 years prior to the opening of the first public institution, the University of California. By setting the groundwork for advanced learning in the state, these independent colleges and universities became an important factor in the California educational system. The variety of school sizes, locations and types of students made it possible for educators at independent institutions to focus on the needs of individual students more easily than at larger public institutions. In 1955, the AICCU was formed to create an interconnected organization of schools capable of sharing individual ideas and information that would benefit the entire group. Additionally, the organization has provided benefits to the entire California education system through such actions as the development of the state's student financial aid program.
AICCU membership includes research institutions with international recognition, and colleges and universities that are nationally ranked. The organization also incorporates colleges with specific focus like the arts or nursing, and includes graduate schools and faith-based institutions. The AICCU provides comprehensive information about each member school, such as admission procedures, curriculum, financial aid and graduation rates. This information is presented as a publication to make comparisons of each member school easy for potential students. This publication is presented to all high school and community college counseling centers. The AICCU offers its member schools discounted services such as the collection of default student loans, purchasing of educational and operational software and the purchase of paper and other supplies. Additionally, group discounts are offered for employee health, auto and homeowners insurance. Member schools also share in research to enhance their curricula and hold conferences where educators share ideas to strengthen their institution's operation.
More than 289,000 students are enrolled at AICCU colleges and universities. Approximately one-fourth of all bachelor degrees awarded in California are earned at AICCU schools. Students at AICCU schools earn nearly half of the master's and doctorate degrees in the state. In addition, two-thirds of the state's professional degrees are awarded at AICCU institutions. Member schools enjoy a higher graduation rate, and students at these institutions complete their courses of study faster than at other public colleges and universities. AICCU member institutions educate 41 percent of the state's teachers, 35 percent of the nurses and 81 percent of the pharmacists in California. AICCU schools have strong ethnic diversity, with 41 percent of students being African-American, Asian, Hispanic or American Indian.
AICCU schools do not benefit from direct funding from the state and thus provide higher education without using taxpayer dollars. Students can receive financial assistance through a state program known as "Cal Grants." AICCU member institutions provide additional financial assistance by offering four dollars in available aid for each one dollar paid to students through the Cal Grant program. Four students receive an education at AICCU schools with no cost to the state for each one student who receives aid through a Cal Grant.