Charitable Giving to American Higher Education Rises, Confidence Endures
March 20, 2025 (WASHINGTON, DC)—Generosity toward higher education continues to grow, reflecting a deep belief in its power to transform lives and strengthen communities. According to the latest CASE Insights on Voluntary Support of Education (VSE) 2023-2024 report, philanthropic contributions to U.S. colleges and universities increased by 3 percent when adjusted for inflation, demonstrating unwavering support for institutions of every kind.
“At a time when higher education faces financial and political scrutiny, this sustained giving is a powerful vote of confidence,” said Sue Cunningham, President and CEO of CASE. More graduates are giving back than ever before, with a 7.5 percent increase in alumni contributions this year, underscoring their lasting connection to their institutions and commitment to ensuring future students have access to the same opportunities.
For alumni like Rebecca Hinkle Mehrwerth, a first-generation college graduate, giving back to Texas State University is a way to help the next generation succeed:
“Texas State really represented this affordable, well-rounded experience that helped me develop the skills I needed to grow my career. Being able to make an impact for the students who come next—it’s our duty and privilege. I’m just incredibly proud of being from Texas State, and I hope to continue to support them as long as I’m able.”
Donors are directing their support where it matters most. Nearly half of all endowed gifts were designated for student financial aid, ensuring access to education for those who might not have had the chance otherwise. When combined with gifts restricted to academic divisions and faculty and staff positions, these priorities represented 87.2 percent of the total amount contributed to endowments, reinforcing a clear commitment to education’s core mission. Meanwhile, 43.6 percent of gifts restricted for current operations were designated for research, a trend that has remained consistent for decades.
Supporting research and STEM education reflects Darlene Marcos Shiley’s deep belief in the power of education to change lives. Shiley recently made a transformational gift to the University of San Diego, a private, Catholic university in California, to establish a STEM initiative that includes support for undergraduate research, new facilities, and scholarships. In addition to USD, Shiley and her late husband Donald are supporters of all categories of higher education, including other religiously affiliated institutions, public universities, and community colleges.
“My husband Donald and I came from humble beginnings, and we learned early on that education was the key to moving forward,” said Shiley. “When students see a name on a building or a program, I hope they understand that someone cared about their future and wanted to make their educational journey a little better.”
The commitment to higher education remains strong even as economic conditions fluctuate. Charitable giving accounted for 10.2 percent of total educational and general expenditures this year, compared to 10.5 percent a decade ago, demonstrating the enduring role of philanthropy in sustaining institutions.
For donors like Wendy Boyer, Executive Director of the Peter Kiewit Foundation, investing in higher education is both a personal and economic imperative:
"Our investments in the University of Nebraska are twofold. We believe that a quality post-secondary education provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to create more opportunities for themselves and their communities. Additionally, our state's economy benefits from a steady pipeline of new graduates, which is essential for expanding the workforce and fostering innovation in business and industry.”
The generosity of donors—whether individuals, foundations, or corporations—reflects a shared belief in the power of education to shape the future. In the past year alone, $61.50 billion was contributed to higher education, reinforcing the trust and commitment of those who support its success. Higher education is a foundation for our collective future—and the generosity of Americans is making that future possible.
About CASE
CASE—the Council for Advancement and Support of Education—is a global, not-for-profit membership association with a vision to advance education to transform lives and society.
CASE is the home for advancement professionals, inspiring, challenging, and equipping them to act effectively and with integrity to champion the success of their institutions. CASE defines the competencies and standards for the profession of advancement, leading, and championing their dissemination and application with more than 97,000 advancement professionals at 3,100 member institutions in 80 countries.
Broad and growing communities of professionals gather under the global CASE umbrella. Currently these include alumni relations, development services, communications, fundraising, government relations, and marketing. These professionals are at all stages of their careers and may be working in universities, schools, colleges, cultural institutions, or other not-for-profits. CASE uses the intellectual capital and professional talents of a community of international volunteers to advance its work, and its membership includes many educational partners who work closely with the educational sector.
Headquartered in Washington, D.C., CASE works across all continents from its regional offices in London, Singapore, and Mexico City to achieve a seamless experience for all its stakeholders, particularly its members, volunteers, and staff.
