Key Takeaways
- • Davidson College leads Charlotte-region colleges and universities with an endowment approaching $1.5 billion, according to the Charlotte Business Journal list cited by WSOC TV, for its 2,073 students.
- • Three regional institutions had endowments topping $375 million, based on fiscal 2025 figures, or 2024 where 2025 data was unavailable.
- • Catawba College in Salisbury posted the largest percentage endowment increase in the region, up 468% from $68 million in 2019 to $386 million in 2024.
- • Catawba also ranked as the fastest-growing college or university in North Carolina, with revenue doubling over five years.
Summary
Colleges and universities in the Charlotte region held combined endowments of almost $3 billion in 2025, according to a ranking published by the Charlotte Business Journal (CBJ) and carried by WSOC TV. Davidson College tops the list with an endowment approaching $1.5 billion. The private liberal arts school in northern Mecklenburg County serves 2,073 students and is also the region's most selective college or university.
Three institutions in the region had endowments above $375 million. The ranking is based on endowment value at the close of the most recent fiscal year, generally 2025, with 2024 figures used where 2025 data was unavailable.
Catawba College in Salisbury recorded the largest percentage growth in its endowment, rising 468% from $68 million in 2019 to $386 million in 2024. The school also ranked as the fastest-growing college or university in North Carolina, with revenue doubling over a five-year period. Several other regional institutions posted double-digit endowment growth over the past five years.
The full ranking is available on the CBJ website.
Three institutions in the region had endowments above $375 million. The ranking is based on endowment value at the close of the most recent fiscal year, generally 2025, with 2024 figures used where 2025 data was unavailable.
Catawba College in Salisbury recorded the largest percentage growth in its endowment, rising 468% from $68 million in 2019 to $386 million in 2024. The school also ranked as the fastest-growing college or university in North Carolina, with revenue doubling over a five-year period. Several other regional institutions posted double-digit endowment growth over the past five years.
The full ranking is available on the CBJ website.
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