Although membership is institutional, AAC&U works through individuals. Once an institution joins, all members of the
campus community are eligible for membership discounts on meetings and publications.
In addition, each member designates five individuals to serve as AAC&U campus representatives: generally the president, the chief academic officer, and three faculty members. These "campus reps" receive AAC&U's journals, announcements of meetings, project applications, and other communications from the association.
If there are more than five individuals who wish to receive these
communications, they can join our Associate
Program for an annual fee of $60. Associates receive the same
benefits as campus representatives.
Who can become a member?
Members are drawn from across all Carnegie classifications: associate, baccalaureate, comprehensive, doctoral and research
as well as from specialized institutions, such as art, business, or medical schools. Several state system offices,
as well as state agencies are represented.
Colleges and universities accredited by, or formal candidates for accreditation by the New England, Middle States, North Central, Southern, Northwest, and Western Associations of Schools and Colleges are eligible for membership in the Association of American Colleges and Universities.
How much are the membership dues?
Dues, which confer membership benefits upon every member of an institution, are modest by national standards and are leveraged
many times over through grants received to support campus-based innovation.
AAC&U dues are based on a combination of the member's full-time equivalent enrollment (FTE) and its education and general expenditures (E&G), as reported on the Federal IPEDS-F-1A form. Membership dues range from $500 to $4,300 per year.
The AAC&U membership year is from January 1 through December 31. Institutions may remit dues at the time of application, or may sign a Pledge to remit on July 1. Membership benefits begin immediately with application (e.g.: designating five campus representatives).
How can we join AAC&U?
Complete the Membership Application and Invoice* and designate
your Campus Representatives and Associates. Return all forms and
payment by mail to Dennis W. Renner, Director for Membership, AAC&U,
1818 R Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20009; or by fax to 202-387-1745.
*Contact Dennis W. Renner, Director for Membership (memberservices@aacu.org
or 202-884-7435) to find out your membership rate to complete the
application. Dues rates are based on FTE and E&G expenditures,
as reported to the Department of Education on the IPEDS form. Membership
services and discounts begin provisionally upon receipt of the application.
The AAC&U Board of Directors act formally upon the application
at its next meeting.
Can an individual join AAC&U?
Although AAC&U is an institutional membership association, individuals
from member institutions can become more involved by become an Associate
Member for an annual fee of $50 by sending in an Associates
Form. Associates receive the same benefits as campus representatives:
AAC&U's journal and newsletters, announcements of meetings and
competitive-application projects, the publications list, and other
communications from the association.
Individuals at non-member institutions cannot become Associates and are invited to advocate for their campus membership.
How can I learn more about AAC&U membership?
Contact Dennis W. Renner, Director for Membership, at memberservices@aacu.org
or 202-884-7435 to learn more about membership.
