Syracuse University Achieves Invest Syracuse Goal, Raises $40 Million for Scholarships, Financial Aid

The Invest Syracuse fundraising campaign has achieved its goal of $40 million in funding for scholarships and other financial aid, more than six months ahead of schedule. The Division of Advancement and External Affairs will continue the solicitation of philanthropic support for funds that will support, among other priorities, additional investments in need-based aid programs; rebalancing the ratio of student grants and loans to enable students to graduate with less debt; and the establishment of additional scholarships.

The Invest Syracuse fundraising effort is part of Invest Syracuse: Advancing Academic Excellence and Student Experience, an initiative launched in 2017 that seeks to redefine the student experience; advance discovery and innovation; and expand opportunity, access and affordability. The initiative supports the strategic direction detailed in the University’s Academic Strategic Plan, developed through a campuswide effort with input from faculty, staff and students.

“Every day, I meet students who excel through the assistance of scholarships. They are ambitious and passionate and ready to make the next big discovery. We need to make more of these opportunities available. This initiative supports more students to explore their research interests and creativity,” says Chancellor Kent Syverud. “Next year, we will recognize Syracuse University’s sesquicentennial. It will be a tribute to the University’s academic excellence. We must continue that tradition by investing in a range of promising students.”

The $40 million campaign for scholarships and financial aid continues the University’s efforts since its founding to enroll high-achieving scholars, regardless of socioeconomic background. This fundraising effort will help reinforce the University as a thriving international research institution, while ensuring access through significant financial assistance to draw in exceptional students who might not otherwise be able to attend.

“Syracuse University donors are excited about this bold initiative to invest more in talented students from across the socioeconomic spectrum,” says Matt Ter Molen, senior vice president and chief advancement officer. “Alumni, parents and friends have shown their overwhelming commitment to the vision of this university and the potential of our students. This funding will allow even greater opportunities for students to follow their ambitious goals and achieve academic success.”

The fundraising initiative specifically aims to do the following:

• increase need-based grant awards and reduce loans in financial aid packages to decrease student debt after graduation;
• ensure that Syracuse University’s financial assistance packages are competitive with other premier universities to attract and support the enrollment of the best, brightest and most high-achieving students; and
• significantly reduce the number of students who choose another institution over Syracuse because of cost.

About Syracuse University

Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York state, with a global footprint and nearly 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience, as well as innovative online learning environments. The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths. At Syracuse University, we offer a choice of more than 200 majors and 100 minors offered through 13 schools and colleges and 18 online degree programs. We have more than 15,000 undergraduates and 7,500 graduate students, more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit syracuse.edu.