American Association of State Colleges and Universities

Formation	1951
Headquarters	Washington, D.C.
Location	United States
Membership	Nearly 350
President	Charles L. Welch
Website	aascu.org

The American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) is an organization of state-supported colleges and universities that offer degree programs leading to bachelor's, master's or doctoral degrees. AASCU grew out of the Association of Teacher Education Institutions that had been organized in 1951 to serve public comprehensive institutions. Most of the original member institutions began as single-purpose institutions, most commonly normal schools.

Since January 2024, the association has been led by Charles L. Welch, former president of the Arkansas State University System.

Purpose

The AASCU has a four-fold purpose:^[1]

• To promote appreciation and support for public higher education and the distinctive contributions of our member colleges and universities;
• To analyze public policy, and to advocate for member institutions and the students they serve;
• To provide policy leadership and program support to strengthen academic quality, promote access and inclusion, and facilitate educational innovation; and
• To create professional development opportunities for institutional leaders, especially presidents, chancellors and their spouses.

Membership

There are nearly 350 member institutions of AASCU.