Philanthropic contributions to colleges and universities in the United States reached approximately $78.8 billion in fiscal year 2025, marking a modest 4% increase from the previous year, according to findings from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education. However, this figure highlights significant disparities in funding distribution among institutions.
From 2015 to 2019, Ivy League schools received, on average, 178 times more philanthropic funding than historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), with Ivy League institutions totaling over $5.5 billion, while HBCUs garnered just $303 million, as reported by Candid.
Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott has taken substantial steps to address this inequality. Over the last five years, she has donated more than $1.2 billion to HBCUs, making her one of the largest contributors to these institutions. In 2025 alone, she contributed more than $700 million to over a dozen HBCUs and related organizations, marking a significant shift in the funding landscape.
Among her notable donations, Howard University received an $80 million contribution, which is among the largest in the school’s history and particularly vital during a period of halted grant awards from the Department of Education. Other institutions such as Morgan State University and Prairie View A&M also benefited from historic donations of $63 million each.
Scott’s approach to philanthropy emphasizes unrestricted gifts, allowing institutions the flexibility to allocate funds as they see fit. This method is seen as increasingly effective, as initial data indicate that schools receiving Scott’s funds have shown improved student enrollment and retention rates.
As funding from the federal government, particularly under the Trump administration, has faced significant cuts, Scott’s contributions provide critical support for under-resourced institutions, including community colleges, tribal colleges, and Hispanic-serving institutions.
Why this story matters
- The disparity in funding among colleges highlights systemic inequalities in higher education.
Key takeaway
- MacKenzie Scott’s donations significantly impact HBCUs and other underfunded institutions, providing essential support amid federal funding cuts.
Opposing viewpoint
- Critics argue that reliance on private philanthropy may not adequately replace necessary government funding for equitable education.
