Bowdoin College received gifts totaling more than $41 million during the fiscal year that ended on June 30, 2014. The gifts include a record $8.9 million for Bowdoin’s Alumni Fund contributed by a record 59.3 percent of Bowdoin alumni.

“[These] funds…are critical to our ability to operate Bowdoin at the highest level of excellence and to provide access and opportunity to highly accomplished students regardless of their economic circumstances,” said Bowdoin President Barry Mills.

Tuition and fees represent only about half of the total source of funds received by the College annually, with the additional revenues provided by Bowdoin’s endowment, auxiliary enterprises, and donations by alumni, parents, friends, foundations, students, faculty, and staff. Unrestricted Alumni Fund gifts are designated for current uses and allow the College to direct more of its resources to student aid and other institutional priorities. Contributions and endowment income also make it possible for Bowdoin to moderate increases in the comprehensive fee, which includes tuition, room, board, and fees.

For a fourth consecutive year, Bowdoin has held the increase in its comprehensive fee to 3 percent, the second lowest percentage increase since 1973. The 2014-15 operating budget includes $32.5 million for need-based financial aid, with the average grant for students receiving aid topping $38,000 per year.

Bowdoin’s alumni participation rate of 59.3 percent is among the very highest in the United States and moves the College closer to its stated goal of reaching 60 percent participation from alumni.

“These are the men and women who know us best,” said Mills. “They understand and appreciate the power and meaning of a Bowdoin education because they are living its benefits. To have this level of loyalty and dedication from our alumni is a tremendous vote of confidence in our academic and residential life programs and in the faculty and staff who bring rigor and excellence to everything they do.”