This session provides an overview of the results of the 2024 NACUBO-Commonfund Study of Endowments, the most comprehensive analysis of endowment investment returns, asset allocations, and governance policies and practices at U.S. higher education institutions and affiliated foundations.
The 2024 NACUBO-Commonfund Study of Endowments is expected to show that college and university endowments posted higher returns in fiscal year 2024. However, returns varied greatly by endowment size, institution type, and other dimensions. In addition, the prospect for tough market conditions in the future, along with potential changes to education policy at the federal level, will likely bring even more pressure for universities to spend more from their endowments to support students. The returns also come as campus leaders are facing rising inflation, lower enrollments, and increasing calls for controlling college costs.
College and university chief investment officers and other panelists will look back at the investment returns, asset allocations, and other factors that influenced performance in FY24. Panelists will address the challenges of the financial market conditions they are facing in 2024 and beyond.