There are no shortages of studies, reports, and stories that show the decline in public perception around higher education. Most include the perspective of US adults that have and have not earned their college degree. At SimpsonScarborough, we found ourselves asking, what would these perceptions look like if we focused solely on college-educated adults?

Our 2023 Alumni Philanthropy Study is the first report of its kind for SimpsonScarborough and comes after higher ed experienced its best fundraising year to date. We surveyed more than 1,000 college-educated adults in the United States for their opinions on giving trends and higher ed. Our findings uncover an interesting dichotomy between the higher ed’s widely reported banner year for fundraising and alumni perceptions of higher ed and philanthropic activity. Understandably this left us asking, What Gives?

Join CEO Jason Simon and AVP, Marketing & Business Development Steve App as they share insights and thought-provoking questions to support higher ed marketing leaders in their future strategic fundraising efforts. Session attendees will understand how college-educated adults view higher education and to what extent they believe in its value. They’ll also come away with a better understanding of what compels alumni to donate to higher education, and they key to unlocking the next generation of major donors.