About Us

At AUC, we know that Chicago is special. For students seeking to experience a city as a campus – whether through internships, careers or incredible cultural opportunities, for faculty seeking innovative research and teaching opportunities, and for businesses seeking diverse, well-educated talent, we know that Chicago is your ultimate destination. That’s why we, a group of 20 of Chicago’s not-for-profit higher education institutions, large and small, representing  200,000 students, have come together to form AUC. AUC is a non-profit organization, incorporated in the State of Illinois, and recognized as tax-exempt by the Internal Revenue Service. We are grateful to DePaul University for providing office support.

We call ourselves “America’s Urban Campus” because Chicago has one of the highest concentrations of college students, universities and colleges in the country. As an organization, we collaborate on a range of initiatives to support our students, Chicago’s higher education system and the city at large.

Our member institutions are the driving forces behind higher education in our great city and are helping to shape the new generation of Chicago’s workforce. Above all else, we strive to offer students transformative educational experiences both in and out of the classroom. Chicago is truly an urban laboratory for students in all disciplines. Don’t just take our word for it. Find out why we’re proud to be AUC.

Mission

Vision

The mission of America’s Urban Campus is to elevate Chicago as a global destination for higher education and leverage the collective resources of its members for the benefit of the city’s citizens.

AUC will be a vital partner of Chicago’s governmental, business, civic, cultural and philanthropic organizations, contributing directly to the city’s initiatives to enhance its brand as a global destination; to support its members’ roles as the inclusive talent pipeline for the region’s employers; and to forge partnerships addressing Chicago’s complex urban issues.

Who We Are

AUC’s campuses are scattered throughout the city, but with the highest concentration in Chicago’s downtown. 
 

Strategic Partnerships

America’s Urban Campus works with the City of Chicago and a number of civic organizations and associations in implementing its initiatives. These organizations have been designated as strategic partners, providing advice, undertaking joint projects and utilizing the information provided by America’s Urban Campus to further their own programs.