Brown University reported a 19.6% investment return for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, and said the total market value of its endowment increased from $8 billion to $9.5 billion.
The university's Oct. 9 announcement said the change reflected $1.6 billion in investment gains, $135 million in new endowed gifts and the addition of $200 million from Brown University Health, an independent health system whose funds Brown's Investment Office manages under affiliation agreements. Those inflows were offset by $357 million contributed to Brown's operating budget.
The annual payout supported financial aid, teaching, research and other programs. Brown said that contribution accounted for 24% of its fiscal 2026 revenue.
An endowment is a collection of invested gifts, many restricted by donors to particular uses. Its full market value is different from the amount available for annual spending.
Brown said its growth will move the university into a 4% federal excise-tax bracket on investment gains in fiscal 2027.
Sources
Brown University fiscal 2026 endowment announcement, Oct. 9, 2026