Wealthier colleges and universities, whose endowments have prospered as a result of rising market values, are spending more money on new programs, student aid, and faculty salaries. Some feel that colleges are still spending too little and hoarding endowment funds; others fear market domination by a small group of wealthy schools. (MSE)

An annual survey reveals that private giving to 992 colleges rose 10.3% in 1993-94, 7.6% when adjusted for inflation, the sharpest increase since 1986-87. The trend is attributed to improvement and increasing confidence in the economy. The greatest increase in giving was at public, master's-granting institutions. Alumni provided 28% of total…

With the growth of the stock market in the 1990s, donations of $30-million and more to colleges and universities are becoming common, and there are more large gifts in general than ever before. These donations have a major impact on smaller institutions. Information on major private gifts and grants since 1967 is presented. (MSE)

A national survey shows that, although colleges and universities averaged a return of 2.9% on endowment investments in fiscal 1994, some earned substantially more and some suffered considerable losses. Data on the market value of 446 endowments on June 30, 1993, and June 30, 1994, are presented and ranked. (MSE)

A national study found private giving to colleges rose substantially in 1996, largely due to strong stock market performance. Adjusted for inflation, the rate of giving was 8.8% at a time when costs rose 2% and enrollments rose 1%. Research and doctoral universities received 67% of donations, and public institutions in this group fared better than…

Many historically black colleges and universities want to take advantage of a strong economy and generous donors. Typically, even relatively wealthy institutions do not have the financial capabilities and access to wealthy benefactors that predominantly white institutions have accumulated and can use more money, either as a cushion against hard…

An annual survey of higher-education leaders found most believe cuts will be smaller next year than in recent years. In some states, the largest increase requests were by community college systems. Changes in tuition-setting policy, governance, and financial aid are also common issues. (MSE)