A new study, “From Students to Benefactors,” released by Indiaspora in collaboration with the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), reveals that Indian Americans have contributed more than $3 billion to U.S. universities. 

These donations, ranging from Ivy League institutions to community colleges, are fueling what Indiaspora calls a tradition of giving that is “unlocking innovation, strengthening research, and expanding access nationwide.”

The research, a follow-up to Indiaspora’s 2024 Impact Report with BCG, examines the significant role Indian American philanthropy plays in strengthening higher education across the United States.

“Indian Americans, many of whom credit their undergraduate and graduate experiences at U.S. universities as the foundation of their professional success, are giving back in transformative ways,” Indiaspora stated on October 2, 2025.

According to the findings, through landmark donations to higher education institutions across the country, the community is not only “honoring the institutions that shaped their lives but also ensuring future generations have access to the same opportunities for learning, innovation, and leadership development.”

Key findings include:

• 78 per cent of Indian Americans hold a bachelor’s degree or higher—well above the national average. 
• Approximately 270,000 Indian students are currently enrolled in U.S. universities.
• Indian students contribute nearly $10 billion annually to the U.S. economy, supporting an estimated 93,000 American jobs.

“By investing in universities, Indian American donors who value education are putting their money where their mouth is. They are also demonstrating a larger commitment to America, supporting Americans of all races, ethnicities and backgrounds to thrive,” said Indiaspora Founder & Chairman MR Rangaswami.

Since 2008, Indian Americans have donated over $3 billion to U.S. universities, creating what Indiaspora describes as a “flywheel effect” that strengthens the nation’s educational ecosystem while deepening professional and cultural ties between India and America.

“Through philanthropic donations to US-based educational institutions, Indian Americans are not only transforming lives today – they are building a meaningful legacy in and for this country and the world: one that multiplies across generations and ensures that American universities will continue to shape future leaders, foster innovation, and advance knowledge for the benefit of all,” said Sanjeev Joshipura, Executive Director of Indiaspora.

Indiaspora noted that these giving patterns often mirror donors’ “professional roots,” particularly in healthcare, engineering, and business – fields where Indian Americans have excelled. The organization emphasized that support extends beyond elite universities, with Indian Americans contributing to community colleges, state schools, and city universities, demonstrating a deep commitment to broadening access.

“The vast majority of publicly known donations have gone towards Medical & Health Sciences, Engineering and Business Education. In addition to professional fields, $140 million has been directed toward cultural programming,” Indiaspora reported. 

One example, the organization pointed out is Sumir Chadha’s gift to Princeton University, which established the Chadha Center for Global India. Endowments for South Asian, Hindu, and Indian studies also highlight the community’s dedication to preserving cultural heritage while enriching America’s academic landscape.

The scale of these contributions reflects more than financial generosity, Indiaspora said adding it demonstrates a strong belief in the power of education to foster innovation and uplift communities. Philanthropic impact is visible across the U.S. For instance, Monte Ahuja has championed higher education in Ohio, while Satish and Yasmin Gupta have supported Texas universities. In Florida, Kiran and Pallavi Patel have made transformative gifts to medical education.

In the Northeast, Chandrika and Ranjan Tandon’s historic $100 million donation to New York University’s School of Engineering marked a milestone in higher education philanthropy. Earlier, entrepreneur Desh Deshpande set a benchmark in 2002 with a $20 million donation to MIT, establishing the Center for Technological Innovation. More recently, former PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi pledged $50 million to Yale School of Management, one of the largest contributions in business school history, it added. 

Indiaspora also recognized substantial contributions from several of its members, including Deepak Raj, Niraj Shah, Raj Gupta, and Venky Harinarayan.

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