June 4, 2025

Provost and computer scientist Jennifer Rexford shares why she’s standing up for the University and American higher education.

“The History of Science Funding in the United States,” June 10 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Join Michael Gordin, dean of the college and the Rosengarten Professor of Modern and Contemporary History, for an online conversation outlining the evolution of funding for American scientific discovery and the historic partnership between higher education and government.

Dean Gordin will be in conversation with Dr. Ryan W. Dahn ’11, senior associate editor at Physics Today. Ryan brings both a deep understanding of science funding in the United States, and valuable industry insight that will ensure a rich and engaging dialogue with Dean Gordin.

The Zoom webinar is free and open to the public. Registration is required.

Princeton Engineering. For more than 100 years, Princeton Engineering has produced innovations that improve lives and drive economic growth. Read about six ways Princeton engineers have made our lives better, from lifesaving medicines to space exploration.

Efforts in Washington to increase the tax on endowments at Princeton and many of America’s other leading colleges and universities are reaching a crucial point. Endowments power everything we do here at Princeton, from the groundbreaking financial aid program to our world-leading research enterprise. We need your help to ensure key lawmakers understand why they should oppose this tax increase.

What is happening?

Last month, the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation that would significantly increase the endowment tax, including imposing an unprecedented 21 percent excise tax on Princeton’s endowment. The Senate is scheduled to consider its own version of that legislation in the coming weeks.

What can I do?

Reach out to your Senator (you can find their contact information here) and inform them that you oppose an increase to the endowment tax and would like the Senate to alter the House legislation. Please consider calling their office, which is often more effective than an email.

Why oppose an increase in the endowment tax?

• Princeton and America’s other leading colleges and universities are nonprofit entities that benefit all Americans. They seek cures and treatments for diseases like Alzheimer’s and cancer. They generate discoveries in quantum science and artificial intelligence that are crucial to America’s security and prosperity. They spin out businesses and develop talent and entrepreneurs. They power regional economies and educate diverse regional workforces. They change lives and lift people out of poverty.
• More than half of annual endowment spending goes directly to student financial aid – tens of billions a year. By reducing reliance on federal loans, endowments reduce burdens on American taxpayers and enable graduates more flexibility to pursue public sector or nonprofit jobs.
• University endowments are essential to America’s preeminence in higher education. Endowments supplement government investments in education, research, and state and local programs, at no cost to taxpayers. They turn private gifts into public projects that benefit every American and have helped make U.S. colleges and universities the envy of the world.
• The endowment tax threatens American competitiveness. Our country needs to win the global competition in the industries that will dominate the 21st century, such as AI, quantum science and biotechnology. Endowment support is essential to continued American leadership in these areas.
• Similarly situated taxpayers should be treated similarly. Nonprofit colleges and universities are no different from libraries, museums and philanthropic foundations in each congressional district – they are significant organizations impacting the overall well-being of the local economy, and they are all tax-exempt. Leading universities are often among the largest employers in their respective cities and regions, providing economic mobility and educational benefits to staff.

Why oppose an increase in the endowment tax?

• If the endowment tax were to go up, it would be more challenging for Princeton and other institutions to commit to (or expand) financial aid programs, which have made leading universities more accessible and affordable for American families. Currently, about half of annual endowment spending goes directly to student financial aid – tens of billions a year.
• An increased endowment tax would lead to fewer scientific breakthroughs, less financial aid for low- and middle-income students, and a threat to American leadership on a host of issues that will define our economic and social standing in the years to come.
• A higher tax would increase institutional reliance on tuition, government loans and federal financial aid to balance the competing demands of accessibility and funding world-class research efforts.

Give now to participate in the 2025 Annual Giving campaign. With many of our grants suspended or under threat, the University will need to draw even more heavily on Annual Giving and other sources. Support is always welcome, and every gift counts.

Share your success stories with us and we’ll feature them in future editions of this newsletter. Email us at standup@princeton.edu