The American Association of Presidents of Independent Colleges and Universities (est. 1968) is a group of presidents of independent colleges, created to serve the unique interests of independent universities.

The American Association of Presidents of Independent Colleges and Universities (AAPICU) was established in 1968 when a small group of presidents of independent colleges caucused at a convention. The aim of the association was to serve the unique interests of independent universites. It was designed to be a nationwide association, and in the first few months of existence, more than 300 presidents became members. The District of Columbia incorporated AAPICU and an executive director was appointed.

The first annual meeting was held in Denver, Colorado, on October 7-9, 1968. Computerization was the topic of the meeting, but there was also a great deal of peer networking concerning governance and finance. Ernest L. Wilkinson, president of Brigham Young University, headed the first full committee. Other officers hailed from Methodist, Friends, Roman Catholic, and Lutheran institutions, indicative of the strong faith-related component in the membership.

AAPICU played a significant role in representing independent education in Washington, D. C., where they participate in legal action in the defense of independent schools. The majority of the members of the AAPICU are religiously affiliated. AAPICU affairs are conducted by a board of directors. Officers are elected annually. In recent years new presidents have served two-year tenures. An executive director is employed at the pleasure of the president and board.