As higher education becomes more critical to success in the global economy, it’s also becoming an increasingly profitable enterprise. Some universities have transformed themselves into lucrative institutions, generating significant sums of money through various channels, including endowments, research grants, tuition fees, and donations. Here is a list of the 20 most profitable universities in the world.

1. Harvard University – Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, Harvard has the largest endowment of any university globally, currently exceeding $40 billion.

2. Yale University – This Ivy League institution in New Haven, Connecticut, USA boasts a bountiful endowment worth over $30 billion.

3. Stanford University – Also located in the US, Stanford’s prestigious Silicon Valley locale has helped raise its endowment to approximately $27.7 billion.

4. Princeton University – With an impressive endowment of $26 billion, this private Ivy League research university in New Jersey holds a solid place among the world’s most profitable institutions.

5. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) – This top-tier tech school features an extensive endowment of around $17 billion.

6. University of Cambridge – Cambridge ranks highest among European institutions with its substantial $13 billion endowment to support various programs and initiatives.

7. University of Oxford – Another top UK institution, Oxford’s sprawling alumni network helps maintain its impressive endowment of around $10 billion.

8. Columbia University – Situated in New York City, Columbia’s considerable popularity has resulted in an enviable $10 billion endowment.

9. California Institute of Technology (Caltech) – Despite being small compared to other institutions on this list, Caltech possesses a healthy $2.9 billion endowment.

10. University of Chicago – This prestigious university boasts a vast financial pool with its approximate endowment figure at around $8 billion.

11. Northwestern University – A research powerhouse with multiple campuses across the US, Northwestern has a robust $10.5 billion endowment.

12. University of Pennsylvania – Rich in history and resources, UPenn has accumulated about $12 billion for its endowment.

13. University of Notre Dame – Known for its top-notch programs, Notre Dame’s $9.5 billion endowment is impressive considering its relatively small student population.

14. Duke University – Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke enjoys the fruits of a sound financial policy with an approximate $8 billion endowment.

15. Johns Hopkins University – Baltimore-based JHU leverages a hefty endowment of around $6 billion in support of its cutting-edge research and robust academic programs.

16. Washington University in St Louis (WUSTL) – WUSTL prides itself on its comprehensive financial support system built on their $7.5 billion endowment.

17. Cornell University – Ithaca-based Cornell holds a broad range of research and academic pursuits funded by approximately $6.9 billion.

18. Brown University – Rhode Island’s Ivy League school utilizes an endowment of close to $4 billion to maintain excellence in education and research.

19. Dartmouth College – With an illustrious history dating back centuries, Dartmouth maintains an enviable financial position with a $5 billion endowment.

20. Rice University – This Houston-based institution combines academics and research to gain a respectable endowment of nearly $6 billion.

These universities use their considerable financial resources to offer world-class facilities, attract top talent, and fund innovative research projects. Their profitability not only benefits them but the entire global education landscape as well. As higher learning becomes exponentially more important for personal and professional success, these institutions will continue to thrive financially and academically for years to come.