The cost for higher education increased nearly 55% from 2002 to 2012, while state appropriations decreased 12% over the same time period (Government Accountability Office, 2014). The cost burden has been shifted heavily on students and their families as institutions have raised the cost of attendance in order to make up for declines in state support dollars. As the country continues to face a student loan bubble that impacts the housing market, marriage rates, and birth rates it will be important to the future of higher education to figure out other sources of revenue to balance budgets (Choi, Zhu, Goodman, Ganesh, & Strochak, 2018). Higher education philanthropy topped $41 billion in 2016 (Council for Aid to Education, 2017). While university endowments currently make up about 9.7% of the overall operating budget for institutions, philanthropy has the potential to make a substantial impact on colleges and universities (National Association of College and University Business Officers, 2016). By looking at how federal student loans, federal grant aid, state appropriations, and the top tax rate impact philanthropy at private and public four-year, non-profit institutions will be added add to existing research on private philanthropy. The findings of this study are that while the tax rate did not influence higher education philanthropy, all the other independent variables had statistically significant results. When the amount of student loans increased, philanthropic support decreased. This was in line with existing research. As federal grants increased there was a parallel response with private support. Finally, state appropriations had an inverse relationship with private philanthropic dollars. In response to the results of this research, this paper includes strategies for higher education institutions to better lobby for students and their families with both state and federal officials. Furthermore, the study can be used to inform and shape current and future financial aid policies and budgets. Additionally, strategies and suggestions for how to grow and strengthen philanthropic research centered around higher education are suggested. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]