I happened to get the Marriott Alumni Magazine (summer 2015) recently (no clue how I got it). As I was skimming through it I was shocked too see that only 5% percent of alumni gave money back to the school last year. I'm not smart enough to past the image here, but for those curious, it's accessible online and on page 43. Maybe I'm reading it wrong, but it says "Total alumni giving: 5%"

Am I wrong to think that this is ridiculously low? Especially given how low BYU's tuition cost are and that 70% of MBAs got some form of scholarship. Lastly, the percent of students taking out loans was as low as 2-26%.

Full disclosure - I have only given to my alma matter twice in 11 years. I justify that by the fact that the costs are out of control (annual tuition is almost 40k/yr more since my freshmen year) and all the money goes to support non professor/educator employees. If feel like there are better needs than rich schools that pay no attention their costs. The cost of college is the next great bubble that tax payers are getting stuck with (already happening) and I agree with Clayton Christiansen in that 25-40% of higher education schools will eventually merge or close. Professors say kids go to school to be educated and the students say they are there to get a better job. Big disconnect with many colleges in what they teach in college and what employers are looking for today (whole different debate).

So maybe just as I justify not giving to my college, BYU alums maybe feel that they already give each year via tithing? I don't know. I just feel that right now, BYU is one of the best returns on your investments out there and surprised at how little percent seem to give

Thoughts as to why this is?