The University of Georgia has raised $52.4 million over the past three years to support graduate and professional students, reinforcing the university’s ongoing commitment to one of its highest academic priorities.

The total reflects significant growth in funds raised year over year. In 2025, the university raised $27.9 million to support graduate and professional students, which marked a significant rise from the more than $9.7 million raised in 2023 and $14.6 million in 2024. This increase in fundraising has strengthened UGA’s efforts to recruit talented graduate students and ensure they are supported through competitive scholarships.

In addition to private support from donors, scholarships for graduate and professional education have been enhanced by support from the University of Georgia Foundation. Over the same three-year period, the UGA Foundation provided $8.7 million in graduate-level matching funds, allowing the university to maximize donor impact and student support.

“I have been proud to support graduate and professional students throughout my tenure as president, and I am extremely grateful for all that these talented students do to enrich the UGA community,” said President Jere W. Morehead. “Thanks to the continued generosity of our loyal alumni and friends and the ongoing support of the UGA Foundation, we are educating future scholars and leaders who hold the potential to improve lives and tackle society’s greatest challenges.”

For students such as Kendall Clay, a doctoral candidate in neuroscience from Augusta, Georgia, donor-funded support has helped shape both her academic and professional success. As an undergraduate student, Clay received a donor-funded scholarship that allowed her to travel to an international scientific conference to present her research. She credits this experience with influencing her decision to pursue a Ph.D. at UGA. She has since earned multiple competitive fellowships and scholarships and has presented her work at seven international conferences.

“These experiences allowed me to see myself in science,” Clay said. “The support I received at UGA, both financial and professional, shaped my confidence and my career path.”

Over the last three years, donor-funded support has advanced recruitment, retention and student success while also strengthening academic programs and research initiatives across campus.

The total funding includes $3.6 million in spendable and $48.8 million in endowed funds, spread over 540 total endowed funds. Unlike immediate spendable gifts, endowed funds are invested to generate long-term returns, ensuring sustained support for students and creating a lasting impact on graduate and professional education.

“Graduate students are moving the university forward through teaching, research and helping to drive discovery,” said Ron Walcott, vice provost for graduate education and dean of the Graduate School. “Donor-funded scholarships and fellowships help students stay on track and continue contributing to the research and training that benefit UGA and the state. The payoff is enormous — graduates leave UGA feeling prepared to lead in fields that matter deeply to society.”

The continued success of the fundraising effort reflects strong collaboration across campus and highlights the importance of philanthropic partnerships.

“Our students are what make this university community so special,” said Jill Walton, vice president for development and alumni relations. “The generosity of our donors and the UGA Foundation reflects a deep belief in our students and their success. That support sends a powerful message. Bulldogs never bark alone, and they have a community cheering them on.”

As the University of Georgia looks ahead, continued investment in graduate and professional education remains central to advancing academic excellence, research innovation and student success.

To learn more about how to support graduate and professional students, visit give.uga.edu.