SUNY Oswego’s endowment continues to deliver strong results, outperforming national benchmarks and peer institutions while directly advancing opportunities for students.
As of June 30, 2025, returns exceeded the NACUBO (National Association of College and University Business Officers) average over one year (11.6 percent vs. 10.9 percent), three years (13.4 percent vs. 10 percent), five years (11.2 percent vs. 10.2 percent) and 10 years (9.0 percent vs. 7.7 percent). Oswego’s performance also stands out among peer institutions and remains competitive with significantly larger, aspirational endowments — surpassing those institutions over three- and 10-year periods.
The Oswego University Foundation’s rate of return exceeded the average of all 657 U.S. colleges and universities and affiliated foundations who participated in the 2025 NACUBO and Commonfund Study of Endowments, which released the results in February 2026.
The following week, Mark Slayton, assistant vice president for university advancement finance, operations and technology, joined Tim Yates, president and CEO of Commonfund OCIO, and Ken Redd, NACUBO senior director of research and policy analysis, for a webinar discussing the results from the 2025 NACUBO-Commonfund Study. Part of NACUBO’s nine-session 2026 Endowment Leadership Series, the webinar looked back at the investment returns, asset allocations and other factors that influenced performance during fiscal year 2025.
"The foundation has participated in the NACUBO study for nearly 25 years; this data is critical to benchmarking our performance and helps us maximize benefits for current students while securing the same advantages for future generations of SUNY Oswego students,” Slayton said.
“The Investment Committee and Board of Directors play a vital role in our annual spending rate discussions by assessing past performance, asset allocation targets and future return expectations," Slayton added. "Ultimately, the NACUBO survey is the premier tool for benchmarking our progress against peer and aspirational institutions, and our above-average long-term investment results have consistently allowed us to achieve these goals."
These results represent strong financial stewardship and translate into real impact. Endowment growth supports scholarships, enhances academic programs and creates transformative student experiences.
“The fact that our endowment performance consistently exceeds national benchmarks, even outperforming much larger institutions over the long term, is a direct result of the sophisticated partnership with our Investment Committee,” said Vice President for University Advancement Heath Wood. “These alumni volunteers provide a level of expertise and strategic agility that is rare for an institution of our size. Their work ensures that the resources entrusted to us by our donors are managed with the highest level of care and efficacy.
“By securing these top-tier returns, our committee is actively fueling the structural support our students need to succeed,” Wood said. “This fiscal strength allows us to scale critical interventions, like expanded scholarship programs and innovative experiential learning partnerships, ensuring that SUNY Oswego remains a place where students come to grow, connect and thrive. We are grateful for their leadership and the tangible impact their expertise has every day on our students, faculty and community.”
Last year, the foundation provided almost $3 million to campus in the form of 900 student scholarships and support for more than 300 separate department or program funds.
Every gift invested in Oswego’s endowment continues to grow in value and purpose, ensuring lasting benefits for today’s students and future generations.
Learn more about how an endowment works.
Learn more about the Oswego University Foundation’s endowment.
-- Submitted by University Advancement