Independent Colleges of Washington (ICW) is the association of
the 10 private, liberal arts, nonprofit colleges in the state. ICW's member institutions
share a commitment to high-quality, academically rigorous learning
and to an education that emphasizes critical thinking, lifelong
learning, ethics, leadership, and community service.
ICW's mission is to expand opportunity and choice for
students by promoting the value and vitality of high-quality,
academically rigorous independent higher education, and by broadening
access through enhanced student aid.
The mission is accomplished by
- Advocating public policy that supports students and
recognizes independent colleges as vital partners in the state;
- Raising funds primarily for student financial aid at
member colleges;
- Increasing the visibility of ICW and the independent
higher education sector;
- Coordinating collaborative activities that benefit
students and member institutions.
Member colleges are
- High-quality, providing academically rigorous higher
education with small classes taught by faculty;
- Successful, conferring a quarter of the state's baccalaureate
and higher degrees, with most students (75 percent) graduating
in four years;
- Diverse in programs and missions, student body demographics,
and geographical choices;
- Community contributors as students and graduates become
dedicated leaders, participate actively in public service, benefit
society with solid foundations in reasoning, ethical and social
skills, and make their communities better places;
- Economic contributors that save taxpayers money and
are employment forces in their communities.
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