About Us

At America’s Urban Campus, our mission is to enhance the image of Chicago as a global destination for higher education and to improve the lives of its citizens by drawing on the collective strengths of its member institutions. Chicago’s not-for-profit colleges and universities, representing 200,000 students, first came together in 2011 and formally established America’s Urban Campus (AUC) in 2016 to collaborate on a range of initiatives and investigate the economic, educational and cultural impact of Chicago’s higher education institutions. Chicago benefits from having one of the highest concentrations of universities and students in the U.S., providing a continuously renewed stream of talent for the region’s economy.

Students Eating Outside.

Who We Are

A group of 20 of Chicago’s not-for-profit higher education institutions, representing 200,000 students, has formed America’s Urban Campus (AUC) to collaborate on branding the city for higher education, building the talent pipeline, and supporting our communities. Click here for a map of college locations.
Leadership meeting with the Mayor

Leadership

America’s Urban Campus is led by the presidents and provosts of its members, who meet periodically to set broad policy and discuss issues with Chicago’s leadership. The Board of Directors consists of a representative from each institution, sets policy, reviews programs, and oversees the work of the Executive Director and the committees. Career Services Directors meet together to help build Chicago’s talent pipeline. AUC leadership is pictured here in their 2022 Annual Meeting with Mayor Lori Lightfoot, hosted by Illinois Institute of Technology President, Raj Echambadi. Photo courtesy of Bonnie Robinson.

Leadership >>>

Board of Directors >>>

Co-Chairs-Executive >>>

Career Services Directors >>>

What We Do...Impact

What We Do...Reports

 
$3.3 Billion in new Facilities construction 2014-2019
Reports on our economic, social and cultural contributions to the city.
Chicago with golf course
Snapshot of all the university programs supporting our neighborhoods.

NEWS from our Member Institutions

Our AUC institutions are working hard to elevate Chicago as a global higher education destination, promote innovation and support students. See what they’ve been up to by checking out the headlines below!

Educating Future Nurses
  Chicago's world-class hospitals, research centers, and pharma companies are fueled by a steady stream of talented grads from top colleges and universities like Northwestern, UIC, Illinoi...
Economic Impact of Higher Education
Chicago is home to Da Bears, The Bulls, Cubs, Sox, and undeniably, the best skyline, restaurants and architecture.  It is also home to many diverse and thriving industries, from technology to ente...
Chicago’s Best in Higher Education
Chicago is known for many things—food, architecture, culture and sports. But did you know that Chicago is home to more than 20 colleges and universities, educating over 200,000 students annually? ...