Videos | Commonfund | Asset Management

2025 Policy Landscape: Implications for Higher Education Endowments

Written by Commonfund Institute | Aug 4, 2025 3:38:58 PM

Commonfund Institute hosted a timely and insightful conversation with leading policy experts in higher education. Panelists discussed the key impacts of the Big Beautiful Bill including revised student aid and graduate loan caps, expanded Workforce Pell grants for vocational programs, increased endowment tax rates for select institutions, and new charitable giving limitations alongside expanded deductions. 

George Suttles, Executive Director, Commonfund Institute hosted this discussion with Liz Clark, Vice President for Policy and Research at the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO), Brian Flahaven, Vice President, Strategic Partnerships at the Council for Advancement in Support of Education, CASE, and Tim Yates, President and CEO of Commonfund OCIO.

Panelists also flagged macroeconomic pressures and enrollment challenges, urging institutions to intensify scenario planning, enhance public advocacy, and pursue innovative financial and educational strategies to sustain their missions. Despite political turbulence, panelists all agreed that the sector remains committed to access, affordability, innovation, and long-term resilience.

The full discussion is available below.

 

Resources

NACUBO: Major Reconciliation Bill Becomes Law, With New Policies and Taxes for Higher Education

CASE: Summary of Key Provisions in H.R. 1, the Budget Reconciliation Package

Commonfund: Endowments, Nonprofit Sector Face Major Shifts Under New Federal Tax and Education Law