Columbia University's endowment achieved a return of 11.5% for the fiscal year ending June 30, resulting in a portfolio value of $14.8 billion.
This performance was attributed to strong public market exposure and the outperformance of individual asset managers. While private assets did not perform as well, they still contributed positively. The university's strategy includes a cautious approach to enhance long-term performance.
Columbia's strong showing places it among the top performers in the Ivy League and elite university endowments. The university's domestic equity exposure, particularly in hedge funds, has been a key driver of its success. Its low exposure to venture capital has shielded it from negative impacts. Columbia has outperformed several Ivy League peers and achieved comparable results to other universities.
The varying strategies and asset allocations among university endowments have influenced their performance. The balance between U.S. and non-U.S. investments will continue to be crucial in determining success.