That’s Billion with a “B”Oregon State’s endowment passes $1 billion.

Oregon State University’s endowment topped $1.01 billion on June 30, 2025, the end of the 2024-25 fiscal year. Passing the billion-dollar milestone for the first time is good news both for the university now and for future generations — and it puts OSU in rare company.

According to the most recent data available from NACUBO (the National Association of College and University Business Officers), the U.S. had a total of 143 universities with endowments of $1 billion or more in fiscal year 2023-24. Only 60 of those were public universities. Of the ones most comparable to OSU — land-grant universities without an associated medical center — the number shrinks to seven.

“Passing the billion-dollar milestone is an extraordinary achievement. We’re endlessly grateful to our donors and our volunteer leaders on the OSU Foundation Board of Trustees — now and who came before us — who made this growth possible,” said Shawn L. Scoville, the Foundation’s president and CEO. “This is a point of pride for our community. It represents the power of a university community that believes in its mission and chooses to invest in its long-term impact. It also demonstrates the community’s commitment to excellence for generations to come.”

Where the Money Goes

More than 2,900 funds stewarded by the OSU Foundation make up OSU’s endowment. Here’s what they support.

Rare Company

Oregon State is now one of 8 public land-grant universities without an associated medical center that have $1 billion or more in endowment funds.

Oregon State University
UC Berkeley
Iowa State University
Purdue University
University of Delaware
North Carolina State University
Clemson University
University of Georgia

So, what is an endowment and why is it important? A bigger endowment means more resources for the people, programs and facilities of the university, both current and future. The core of the funds remains invested for long-term growth, but every year, a portion (currently 4%) is transferred to support programs chosen by the donors. Annual endowment distributions to OSU programs have jumped from $20.9 million five years ago to $31.2 million last year. (New federal taxes on endowments do not apply to public colleges and universities.)

More than 2,900 distinct funds stewarded by the OSU Foundation make up the endowment. Each was established by a donor or group of donors for a purpose, such as supporting a particular faculty position or providing scholarships — for instance, for OSU’s new Finish in Four program, which benefits Oregon residents with the highest financial need. 

When you create or add to an endowed fund, you’re building a permanent part of the university.

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“Stock markets go up and down, but endowed funds provide a stable, reliable flow of income to university programs, year after year,” said Kevin Harvey, the OSU Foundation chief financial officer. “When you create or add to an endowed fund, you’re building a permanent part of the university that will generate income for programs you care about. Our policies are designed to help the endowment grow over time, so its value keeps up with inflation.”

OSU’s endowment managed by OSU Foundation was established in 1958 with $20,000. Over the past five years, the total has increased by 65%. Richard B. Evans, ’69, who chaired the OSU Foundation’s Investment Committee the past four years, made the announcement at the Board of Trustees’ Executive Committee meeting in July. Staff and trustees with investment expertise developed the policies that have helped drive endowment growth. Endowed assets are managed by an outsourced chief investment officer, Cerity Partners.