Story perspectives

Qatar, China Donate $5.2 Billion to U.S. Colleges

2/12/2026

Summary

Story summary

Qatar and China were the largest foreign donors to U.S. higher education, totaling over $5.2 billion in 2025.
Qatar donated about $1.1 billion.
China donated over $528 million.
Carnegie Mellon University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology each received nearly $1 billion.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration highlighted concerns about foreign funding’s impact on national security and campus culture amid reports of over $2 billion disclosed.

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Story summary

Qatar and China were the largest foreign donors to U.S. higher education, totaling over $5.2 billion in 2025.
Qatar donated about $1.1 billion.
China donated over $528 million.
Carnegie Mellon University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology each received nearly $1 billion.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration highlighted concerns about foreign funding’s impact on national security and campus culture amid reports of over $2 billion disclosed.