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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]From about 1970 to 2015, Princeton's annual giving rate was around 60%, one of the highest among leading universities.

Over the past 10 years, however, the giving rate has declined to 44%, the lowest in about 80 years.

There are a number of factors that could account for this, but an obvious one is that recent Princeton students are less satisfied with their experience than their predecessors and less inclined to donate.  One wonders if the extreme focus on admitting a more diverse range of students is actually resulting in a student body that experiences more stress, enjoys their undergraduate experience less, and has less interest in maintaining ties to the school after graduation.

It feels like a bit of a canary in the coal mine in terms of suggesting it's a place that's losing its way and in need of some major reforms, whether it's taking a look at whether the right kids are being admitted or whether the right kids are being admitted but they need to make changes to make the undergraduate experience more gratifying. [/quote]

Or maybe Princeton's newer generation has less generational wealth and thus less $$ to drop for donations? [/quote]

The participation rate refers to the percentage of alumni giving, not the total amount of donations.

Give them $5 dollars and they'll still act very appreciative.  [/quote]

I’m a rural student who went 20+ years ago.

People from my cohort aren’t nearly as wealthy as UMC admits, we don’t know how to navigate and network a career so end up at barely UMC jobs or even teachers.

So first there is just not much money to give around.

And as someone with family members living on disability and food stamps, it feels indulgent to give money to a well heeled university, when it would benefit so many people if given to my local food bank. Charitable giving is a zero sum game, especially for the MC.

That said, I had an amazing time while there, and appreciate the new outreach to give a broader swath more opportunities— Princeton financial aid is top notch, so it’s not just an elite education but also very little student debt or financial hardship that these initiatives accomplish. They likely won’t end up in the same roles, and often pursue meaningful work rather than the most well paid, but it’s a good program. [/quote]

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