St. Edward’s University Achieves Record Philanthropic Growth, Advancing Student Success and Strengthening Endowment
AUSTIN, Texas — St. Edward’s University is charting a strong and steady path forward — fueled by deep donor relationships, rising philanthropic investment and a clear commitment to student success.
Over the past 19 months, the university has reached a historic milestone in philanthropic support, raising more than $20 million, averaging $1.1 million per month. This momentum is a powerful testament to the deepening confidence our donor community holds in the St. Edward’s mission. More than just investments, this support serves as a catalyst for academic excellence, aligning institutional goals with the boundless ambition of our students.
“Philanthropy at St. Edward’s is rooted in a shared commitment that every student deserves a clear and supported path to success," said St. Edward’s University Montserrat Fuentes. “This growth we’re seeing in donor investment reflects a community that believes academic excellence and a transformative education ensure our students are prepared for every opportunity. We are not only expanding access and opportunity today, but boldly shaping the long-term impact and reach of a St. Edward’s education.”
This growing support is also reflected in a significant increase in unrestricted giving, which has increased 250%. These funds, like a $1 million bequest from Dr. Nancy Koughan and Mr. Bill Sandidge and additional support from the Grogan Lord Foundation, provide the university with the ability to meet evolving student needs and invest in high-impact initiatives across academics, campus infrastructure and student support.
Another key focus of increased giving is expanding access to higher education and advancing successful outcomes for all students, particularly for those who are first in their families to attend college. First-generation students make up 37% of the university’s student population and, over the past 19 months, more than $7.2 million has been invested to strengthen the scholarship and resources that help them and their classmates thrive.
Today, one in four students benefits from a privately funded scholarship, reflecting the strength and continued growth of the university’s scholarship support. These investments help fund comprehensive wrap-around services, including academic coaching, internships and career preparation.
Scholarship recipients and students supported through private donor funding achieve exceptional outcomes throughout their time on the hilltop. This is a powerful testament to the impact of sustained philanthropic investment and the enduring partnerships that advance student achievement and help shape the university’s future.
“Through the extraordinary generosity of both longstanding and new donors, St. Edward’s has reached a historic high in its endowment, an achievement that reflects deep confidence in our mission,” said Joe DeMedeiros, Vice President for University Advancement. “Philanthropy at this level fuels the university’s strategic priorities and strengthens our commitment to academic excellence for all students.”
Each gift represents a commitment to a more inclusive, innovative, and impactful educational experience. By uniting a dedicated donor community with a bold institutional vision, St. Edward’s is not only meeting the needs of today’s students but is ensuring that the university remains a place of opportunity and excellence for current and future students.
About St. Edward’s University
St. Edward’s University is a private university in the Catholic, Holy Cross tradition with approximately 3,000 students. Located in Austin, Texas, it is one of the top universities in the state and offers more than 55 undergraduate, seven master’s degree programs, and a doctoral program. St. Edward’s delivers a premier, highly personalized education that provides students with distinctive academics and extensive internships, research, and service-learning opportunities on a vibrant, inclusive hilltop campus in a world-class city. St. Edward’s has been recognized for 22 consecutive years as one of “America’s Best Colleges” by U.S. News & World Report. In the 2026 Best Colleges rankings, St. Edward’s ranked #5 in the Best Regional Universities in the West.