<p>It’s interesting that a list of schools by endowment somewhat resembles a list of schools by prestige. Universities vary in their spending priorities and research money is largely from external sources. However, having a higher endowment helps universities lure faculty and students by paying higher salaries and giving more aid. </p>
<p>People often compare schools with rankings such as - US News, Times World Rankings, etc. These magically vary from year to year depending on how much weight is placed on a particular measured category. However, total endowment and endowment per student are simple indicators of overall strength. </p>
<p>Here’s a way to identify “peer” schools. Seperate liberal arts schools from universities and seperate public and private. Identify a school and then identify a few schools immediately wealthier and a few schools immediately poorer. Tada! A peer list is born. Please see link below.</p>
<p><a href=“http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_US_colleges_and_universities_by_endowment[/url]”>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_US_colleges_and_universities_by_endowment</a></p>