University of Nebraska's Endowment and Budget Cuts
The University of Nebraska Foundation has a nearly $2 billion endowment, yet the university's five campuses are facing budget cuts.
In the past decade, the University of Nebraska has cut about $130 million in recurring costs out of its budget, with another $40 million predicted in the coming years, according to university president Jeffrey Gold.
State appropriations are not keeping pace with inflation, and federal research dollars are uncertain due to changes in higher education funding by the Trump administration.
The Endowment Question
The question arises: Why can't the university use its $1.9 billion endowment to prevent budget cuts?
The University of Nebraska started seeking private support as a way to financially survive the Great Depression.
The University of Nebraska Foundation was created in 1936 to fund top-notch programs at the university that wouldn't be possible through just state funding.
Author's summary: University of Nebraska faces budget cuts despite $2 billion endowment.