Rockefeller University
Rockefeller University maintains strong asset base despite recent operating deficits.
EIN: 131624158 · New York, NY · NTEE: B430 · Updated: 2026-03-28
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Revenue | $795.4M |
| Total Expenses | $521.2M |
| Program Spending | 85% |
| Net Assets | $2.6B |
| Transparency Score | 88/100 |
Is Rockefeller University Legit?
Some Concerns
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
Rockefeller University directs 85% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About Rockefeller University
Rockefeller University (EIN: 131624158) is a nonprofit organization based in New York, NY, classified under NTEE code B430. The organization reported total revenue of $795.4M and total assets of $4.0B according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Rockefeller University's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.
Organization Overview
Rockefeller University is a major nonprofit that has been operating for 88 years, with 13 years of IRS 990 filings on record (2011–2023). Revenue has grown at a compound annual rate of 1.6%.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
| Total Revenue | $514.6M |
| Total Expenses | $521.2M |
| Surplus / Deficit | $-6,594,076 |
| Total Assets | $4.0B |
| Total Liabilities | $1.4B |
| Net Assets | $2.6B |
| Operating Margin | -1.3% |
| Debt-to-Asset Ratio | 34.8% |
| Months of Reserves | 91.1 months |
Financial Health Grade: B
In 2023, Rockefeller University reported a deficit of $6.6M with expenses exceeding revenue, holds 91.1 months of operating reserves (strong position), has a debt-to-asset ratio of 34.8% (moderate leverage).
Financial Trends
Over 13 years of filings (2011–2023), Rockefeller University's revenue has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.6%.
| Year | Revenue Change | Expense Change | Asset Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | -3.9% | -12.6% | -7.2% |
| 2022 | +0.9% | +1.9% | -5.9% |
| 2021 | +16.4% | +6.5% | +16.8% |
| 2020 | -1.0% | -5.6% | -0.6% |
| 2019 | -7.3% | +43.5% | -0.1% |
IRS Tax-Exempt Classification
| IRS Classification Codes | 2000 |
| IRS Ruling Date | 1938 |
Classification data from ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. Additional BMF data may be available after enrichment.
AI Transparency Report
Mission Effectiveness Score
NonprofitSpending's AI analysis rates Rockefeller University with a Mission Score of 88 out of 100 (Excellent). This score reflects the organization's overall financial transparency, program spending efficiency, and governance indicators derived from IRS 990 public filings.
Spending Breakdown
- admin: 10%
- programs: 85%
- fundraising: 5%
According to IRS 990 filings, Rockefeller University allocates its expenses as follows: admin: 10%, programs: 85%, fundraising: 5%. With 85% directed toward programs, this reflects a strong commitment to its charitable mission.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
- The organization reported a deficit of $6.6M, with expenses exceeding revenue.
- Debt-to-asset ratio: 34.8%.
Executive Compensation Analysis
The reported 0% officer compensation across all available filings is unusual for an organization of this size and suggests that executive compensation may be reported under different categories or is not directly captured in the 'Officer Comp' field provided, warranting further investigation into the full 990 forms.
Executive compensation data is sourced from IRS 990 filings, which require nonprofits to disclose the compensation of officers, directors, trustees, and key employees. NonprofitSpending analyzes this data relative to the organization's total revenue and sector benchmarks to assess whether executive pay is reasonable.
Red Flags
The following concerns were identified during AI analysis of Rockefeller University's IRS 990 filings:
- Consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation, which is highly unusual for an organization of this size and suggests a lack of transparency in the provided summary data regarding executive pay.
- Operating deficits in multiple recent years (e.g., 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019), indicating that expenses frequently exceed annual revenue, though offset by substantial assets.
Strengths
The following positive indicators were identified for Rockefeller University:
- Strong and growing asset base, exceeding $4 billion, providing significant financial stability and long-term capacity.
- Substantial revenue generation, with latest reported revenue at $795,425,886, demonstrating robust fundraising and grant acquisition capabilities.
- Consistent filing history (13 filings), indicating adherence to IRS reporting requirements.
- Mission-aligned NTEE code (B430 - Research Institutes) suggesting a clear focus on its core purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions about Rockefeller University
Is Rockefeller University a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Rockefeller University (EIN: 131624158) some concerns. Mission Score: 88/100. 2 red flags identified, 4 strengths noted.
How does Rockefeller University spend its money?
Rockefeller University directs 85% of its spending to programs and services. The remaining budget covers administration and fundraising costs.
Are donations to Rockefeller University tax-deductible?
Rockefeller University is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 131624158). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
What percentage of Rockefeller University's spending goes to programs?
Rockefeller University directs 85% to programs, 5% to fundraising. This exceeds the 65% industry benchmark for efficient nonprofits.
How does Rockefeller University compare to similar nonprofits?
With a transparency score of 88/100 (Excellent), Rockefeller University is above average for NTEE category B430 nonprofits. The score reflects financial transparency, program spending efficiency, and governance quality based on IRS 990 data.
Where is Rockefeller University located?
Rockefeller University is headquartered in New York, New York and files with the IRS under EIN 131624158. It is classified under NTEE code B430.
How many years of IRS 990 filings does Rockefeller University have?
Rockefeller University has 13 years of IRS 990 filings on record at NonprofitSpending. This extensive filing history provides a strong basis for evaluating long-term financial trends. The most recent filing shows $795.4M in total revenue.
How does Rockefeller University manage its operating deficits, such as the $6.6 million deficit in 2023?
The university likely covers operating deficits through its substantial endowment and investment income, given its over $4 billion in assets. This allows it to continue its mission-critical research and educational activities even when annual expenses temporarily exceed revenue.
What is the actual executive compensation for Rockefeller University, given the 0% reported?
The 0% reported officer compensation is highly unusual for an institution of this scale. It suggests that executive compensation details are either reported in a different section of the 990 (e.g., as salaries for key employees) or are not categorized under 'Officer Comp' in the provided summary data. A full review of the IRS 990, Part VII, Section A would be necessary to determine actual compensation.
What is the primary source of Rockefeller University's revenue, given its fluctuations?
As a research university, primary revenue sources typically include grants (government and private), tuition and fees, investment income from its endowment, and contributions. The fluctuations suggest a reliance on variable funding streams like grants and investment performance.
How does Rockefeller University's asset growth contribute to its long-term sustainability?
The consistent growth in assets, from $3.2 billion in 2014 to $4.0 billion in 2023, indicates a strong endowment and investment strategy. This substantial asset base provides financial stability, supports long-term research initiatives, and acts as a buffer against economic downturns or revenue shortfalls.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for Rockefeller University showing financial trends over 13 years of public records:
Over 13 years of IRS 990 filings (2011–2023), Rockefeller University's revenue has grown by 21.1%, moving from $424.8M to $514.6M. Total assets increased by 32.8% over the same period, from $3.0B to $4.0B. Total functional expenses rose by 64.5%, from $316.9M to $521.2M. In its most recent filing year (2023), Rockefeller University reported a deficit of $6.6M, with expenses exceeding revenue. The organization holds $1.4B in liabilities against $4.0B in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 34.8%), resulting in net assets of $2.6B.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $514.6M | $521.2M | $4.0B | $1.4B | — | View 990 |
| 2022 | $535.3M | $596.1M | $4.3B | $1.5B | — | View 990 |
| 2021 | $530.3M | $585.0M | $4.5B | $1.5B | — | View 990 |
| 2020 | $455.4M | $549.3M | $3.9B | $1.4B | — | View 990 |
| 2019 | $460.2M | $582.1M | $3.9B | $1.3B | — | View 990 |
| 2018 | $496.4M | $405.7M | $3.9B | $1.2B | — | View 990 |
| 2017 | $344.2M | $402.8M | $3.7B | $1.1B | — | View 990 |
| 2016 | $372.8M | $374.9M | $3.5B | $1.2B | — | View 990 |
| 2015 | $694.1M | $368.6M | $3.6B | $1.1B | — | View 990 |
| 2014 | $426.9M | $350.4M | $3.2B | $953.2M | — | View 990 |
| 2013 | $331.9M | $345.5M | $3.0B | $951.1M | — | View 990 |
| 2012 | $332.9M | $321.7M | $2.9B | $1.0B | — | View 990 |
| 2011 | $424.8M | $316.9M | $3.0B | $915.6M | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2023: Revenue of $514.6M, expenses of $521.2M, and assets of $4.0B (revenue -3.9% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $535.3M, expenses of $596.1M, and assets of $4.3B (revenue +0.9% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $530.3M, expenses of $585.0M, and assets of $4.5B (revenue +16.4% year-over-year).
- 2020: Revenue of $455.4M, expenses of $549.3M, and assets of $3.9B (revenue -1.0% year-over-year).
- 2019: Revenue of $460.2M, expenses of $582.1M, and assets of $3.9B (revenue -7.3% year-over-year).
- 2018: Revenue of $496.4M, expenses of $405.7M, and assets of $3.9B (revenue +44.2% year-over-year).
- 2017: Revenue of $344.2M, expenses of $402.8M, and assets of $3.7B (revenue -7.7% year-over-year).
- 2016: Revenue of $372.8M, expenses of $374.9M, and assets of $3.5B (revenue -46.3% year-over-year).
- 2015: Revenue of $694.1M, expenses of $368.6M, and assets of $3.6B (revenue +62.6% year-over-year).
- 2014: Revenue of $426.9M, expenses of $350.4M, and assets of $3.2B (revenue +28.6% year-over-year).
- 2013: Revenue of $331.9M, expenses of $345.5M, and assets of $3.0B (revenue -0.3% year-over-year).
- 2012: Revenue of $332.9M, expenses of $321.7M, and assets of $2.9B (revenue -21.6% year-over-year).
- 2011: Revenue of $424.8M, expenses of $316.9M, and assets of $3.0B.
View Individual Filing Years
Explore detailed financial data from each IRS 990 filing year for Rockefeller University:
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for Rockefeller University is generated by NonprofitSpending's AI analysis engine. The data is sourced from publicly available IRS 990 filings accessed through the ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer API and IRS electronic filing records. The Mission Score, spending breakdown, and other analytical insights are produced by artificial intelligence and should be used as one of multiple factors when evaluating a nonprofit organization.
IRS 990 forms are annual information returns that most tax-exempt organizations must file with the IRS. These forms provide detailed financial information including revenue, expenses, assets, liabilities, and compensation of officers. NonprofitSpending processes this data to provide accessible transparency reports for donors, researchers, and the general public.
Disclaimer
AI-generated analysis based on IRS public records. Not financial or legal advice. Verify information directly with the organization.