CIC is the major national organization that focuses on providing services to leaders of independent colleges and universities and state-based councils. CIC offers conferences, seminars, publications, and other programs and services that help institutions improve educational quality, administrative and financial performance, student outcomes, and institutional visibility.

Eligibility for CIC membership is open to all small and mid-sized private, nonprofit colleges and universities in the United States that show a commitment to the liberal arts, similar institutions located outside the United States, and two-year independent institutions. Nonprofit organizations that support the purposes of independent higher education also are eligible to be CIC members.

CIC provides members with ideas, resources, and programs that help institutions improve their leadership expertise, educational programs, administrative and financial performance, and institutional visibility