Utica University
Utica University experiences fluctuating financial performance with recent operating deficits, while consistently reporting zero officer compensation.
EIN: 161476258 · Utica, NY · NTEE: B420 · Updated: 2026-03-28
Is Utica University Legit?
Some Concerns
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
Utica University directs 85% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About Utica University
Utica University (EIN: 161476258) is a nonprofit organization based in Utica, NY, classified under NTEE code B420. The organization reported total revenue of $101.3M and total assets of $133.5M according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of Utica University's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.
AI Transparency Report
Mission Effectiveness Score
NonprofitSpending's AI analysis rates Utica University with a Mission Score of 70 out of 100 (Good). 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, Utica 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.
Executive Compensation Analysis
The consistent reporting of 0% for officer compensation across all available filings is highly unusual for an institution with over $100 million in annual revenue and suggests that executive compensation may be reported elsewhere or is not fully captured in the provided data, impacting transparency.
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 Utica University's IRS 990 filings:
- Consistent 0% officer compensation reported, which is highly unusual for an organization of this scale and suggests a lack of transparency in this specific data point.
- Operating deficit in the most recent filing (202305), where expenses ($105,687,698) significantly exceeded revenue ($89,786,192).
Strengths
The following positive indicators were identified for Utica University:
- Consistent high revenue generation, generally exceeding $100 million annually, indicating a stable operational scale.
- Significant asset base of $133,465,875, providing financial stability.
- Primary mission aligns with education (NTEE B420), suggesting a strong program focus.
Frequently Asked Questions about Utica University
Is Utica University a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Utica University (EIN: 161476258) some concerns. Mission Score: 70/100. 2 red flags identified, 3 strengths noted.
How does Utica University spend its money?
Utica University directs 85% of its spending to programs and services. The remaining budget covers administration and fundraising costs.
Are donations to Utica University tax-deductible?
Utica University is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 161476258). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
Why is officer compensation consistently reported as 0% across all filings?
This is an unusual reporting pattern for an organization of Utica University's size and revenue. It suggests that executive compensation might be reported in a different section of the 990, through a related organization, or the provided data is incomplete regarding this specific metric. Further investigation into the full 990 forms would be necessary to understand how executive compensation is handled.
What caused the operating deficit in the 202305 period where expenses ($105,687,698) exceeded revenue ($89,786,192)?
The provided data does not specify the exact causes. A detailed review of the full 990 filing for that period would be needed to identify specific expense increases or revenue shortfalls that led to the deficit.
How does Utica University manage its liabilities, which have fluctuated significantly, reaching $83,973,692 in 202305?
The liabilities have shown an upward trend over the past decade, from $56,152,564 in 201405 to $83,973,692 in 202305. Understanding the composition of these liabilities (e.g., bonds, loans, deferred revenue) and the university's debt management strategy would require a deeper dive into their financial statements.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for Utica University showing financial trends over 13 years of public records:
Over 13 years of IRS 990 filings (2011–2023), Utica University's revenue has grown by 1.4%, moving from $88.6M to $89.8M. Total assets increased by 37.4% over the same period, from $102.5M to $140.8M. Total functional expenses rose by 22.1%, from $86.5M to $105.7M. In its most recent filing year (2023), Utica University reported a deficit of $15.9M, with expenses exceeding revenue. The organization holds $84.0M in liabilities against $140.8M in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 59.6%), resulting in net assets of $56.8M.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $89.8M | $105.7M | $140.8M | $84.0M | — | View 990 |
| 2022 | $105.1M | $104.9M | $156.9M | $82.6M | — | View 990 |
| 2021 | $115.4M | $95.0M | $163.0M | $84.3M | — | View 990 |
| 2020 | $101.8M | $99.4M | $151.0M | $84.7M | — | View 990 |
| 2019 | $104.4M | $99.0M | $133.3M | $68.6M | — | View 990 |
| 2018 | $101.9M | $95.9M | $130.1M | $70.6M | — | View 990 |
| 2017 | $99.8M | $93.9M | $117.0M | $69.1M | — | View 990 |
| 2016 | $116.0M | $120.9M | $115.2M | $71.0M | — | View 990 |
| 2015 | $108.2M | $110.4M | $110.7M | $63.1M | — | View 990 |
| 2014 | $105.3M | $105.4M | $106.6M | $56.2M | — | View 990 |
| 2013 | $100.5M | $100.8M | $106.4M | $57.2M | — | View 990 |
| 2012 | $95.5M | $93.8M | $104.7M | $57.6M | — | View 990 |
| 2011 | $88.6M | $86.5M | $102.5M | $58.3M | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2023: Revenue of $89.8M, expenses of $105.7M, and assets of $140.8M (revenue -14.6% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $105.1M, expenses of $104.9M, and assets of $156.9M (revenue -8.9% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $115.4M, expenses of $95.0M, and assets of $163.0M (revenue +13.4% year-over-year).
- 2020: Revenue of $101.8M, expenses of $99.4M, and assets of $151.0M (revenue -2.4% year-over-year).
- 2019: Revenue of $104.4M, expenses of $99.0M, and assets of $133.3M (revenue +2.4% year-over-year).
- 2018: Revenue of $101.9M, expenses of $95.9M, and assets of $130.1M (revenue +2.1% year-over-year).
- 2017: Revenue of $99.8M, expenses of $93.9M, and assets of $117.0M (revenue -14.0% year-over-year).
- 2016: Revenue of $116.0M, expenses of $120.9M, and assets of $115.2M (revenue +7.2% year-over-year).
- 2015: Revenue of $108.2M, expenses of $110.4M, and assets of $110.7M (revenue +2.8% year-over-year).
- 2014: Revenue of $105.3M, expenses of $105.4M, and assets of $106.6M (revenue +4.8% year-over-year).
- 2013: Revenue of $100.5M, expenses of $100.8M, and assets of $106.4M (revenue +5.3% year-over-year).
- 2012: Revenue of $95.5M, expenses of $93.8M, and assets of $104.7M (revenue +7.8% year-over-year).
- 2011: Revenue of $88.6M, expenses of $86.5M, and assets of $102.5M.
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for Utica 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.