University Endowments Balance Risk, With Differing Results

University of Chicago

Endowment’s market value: $6.57 billion

Fiscal year ends: June 30

Decline in market value from 2011 to 2012: 2 percent

Decline in market value from 2008 to 2012: 7 percent, after inflation

Behind the numbers: The University of Chicago has yet to replace the losses it experienced during the recession. In 2009, its endowment shed $1.6-billion. The university invests more than 50 percent of its assets in alternative investments, which include private equity and hedge funds.

Courtesy of The University of Pennsylvania

University of Pennsylvania

Endowment’s market value: $6.75 billion

Fiscal year ends: June 30

Growth in market value from 2011 to 2012: 1 percent

Growth in market value from 2008 to 2012: 2 percent, after inflation

Behind the numbers: In 2011, the University of Pennsylvania replaced losses it suffered during the recession. Last year, the university’s endowment continued to climb, but barely. The university allocated equally large chunks of its assets in stocks and alternative investments, with the lion’s share of those alternative investments in private equities.