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Higher Education

New England is home to some of the nation’s finest higher educational institutions and is historically grounded in pioneering the highest standards of education.

With over 250 institutions and more than a million students in the region, our colleges and universities not only empower learners, they train our region’s workforce to compete in virtually every sector of our economy. Colleges and universities in New England employ hundreds of thousands of New Englanders and play an important role in contributing to the region’s economy.

The New England Council’s Higher Education Committee includes both public and private colleges and universities, as well as high schools, education non-profits, and workforce development organizations. The Committee encompasses a broad spectrum of higher education advocates in the region, bringing together members from a wide variety of backgrounds and perspectives.

In recent years, the Committee has focused on initiatives and policy advocacy aimed at expanding access to higher education, developing a high-skilled talent pipeline to meet regional employer needs, investing in research, and supporting students to achieve their educational aspirations.

The Higher Education Committee is Co-Chaired by Daniel Egan, President of the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Rhode Island (AICURI) and Jennifer Grodsky, Vice President for Federal Relations at Boston University.

NEC Higher Education Liason

Please contact Mariah Healy.

 

Racial Nondiscrimination in Private Schools

The New England Council recently submitted comments expressing our significant concerns regarding the proposed rule, “Racial Nondiscrimination in Private Schools.” Under the proposed rule, a private school would not qualify for federal tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) if it “adopts, maintains, or enforces a policy or practice that discriminates on the basis of race, color, or national or ethnic origin.”

Learn More

NEC and NEBHE Release Updated Fact Sheets on the Economic Impact of Higher Ed Sector

The New England Council and the New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE) have once again partnered to release a series of fact sheets highlighting the economic impact of the higher education sector in the region.

Learn More
Featured Higher Education News
Read Article Nov 5, 2026Blog | Higher Education

Council submits comments on Proposed Rule, “Optional Practical Training Fees”

Read Article Oct 27, 2026Blog | Council News, Diversity & Inclusion, Higher Education

NEC Submits Comments on Racial Nondiscrimination in Private Schools Rule

Read Article Oct 14, 2026Blog | Member News, Energy & Environment, Higher Education, Technology & Innovation

University of Massachusetts Amherst Launches $120 Million Future of Food Initiative

Read Article Oct 14, 2026Blog | Member News, Higher Education

University of Rhode Island Opens $99 Million Fine Arts Center

Read Article Sep 22, 2026Blog | Member News, Healthcare, Higher Education

Brown University and Brown University Health Receive $37M for Research on Aging

View All News

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