Fisher College
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
Points to look into
- Raising each dollar of donations cost 58 cents.
These come from the organization's own tax return. There may be a good explanation; ask the charity.
What it says it does
Fisher College enables students to earn a degree and seek a job upon graduation. Fisher College provides access to an education to approved students seeking the tools they need to achieve their goals. Dedicated, experienced, and caring educators allow Fisher College to accomplish its mission. The Fisher experience activates students to take ownership of their learning by preparing them to overcome challenges and pursue opportunities. Fisher's small-school setting allows students to form enduring and influential bonds with each other and with their professors. The Fisher community brings cultures and perspectives together in a dynamic arena. Fisher views ethical and moral development and public service as imperatives. Campus life enriches the Fisher community by offering students social and educational opportunities.
- Income
- $27.0 million
- Spending
- $26.3 million
- Spent on programs
- 86%
- Reserves
- 24.9 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- fees for its services, 79%
- Employees
- 440
- Volunteers
- 50
- Highest pay
- $448,994, president
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Good: 85 out of 100. Higher than 79% of charities in its peer group (education, $10m to $100m).
Reserves
35 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 24.9 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 10% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 2% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 6% on the year before.
Spending floor
0 of 1586% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 58 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 50% of charities in its peer group (education, $10m to $100m).
Independent board
25 of 2514 of 16 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
Independent check of accounts
15 of 15Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (2)
- $10.3 million spent. Educational/Instructional Services - As directed by the Fisher College Mission and its strategic goals, the academic program "changes lives" by enabling students to acquire knowledge and skills that will guide them through a lifetime of intellectual and professional pursuits. To that end, Fisher offers pragmatic and focused programs bolstered by an array of general education programs. Thus, Fisher graduates are prepared to be responsible and contributing members of society. The Fisher College Educational and Instructional Program Services are focused on the core values and objectives of higher education and the Mission of the College.
- $12.2 million spent. Housing & Student Services - The Fisher College campus, housing, student services and student resources programs define the College as much as the educational and instructional programs it offers and the people who embody its Mission. The students' experiences, and their memories of their years at Fisher College, are entwined with the campus and its offerings. Just as it safeguards the interest of its students, Fisher College is a steward of these vital and influential physical resources, programs and services, and this Program Service Accomplishment is imperative to the Mission of the College.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.
On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending June 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since December 1948.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 21, 2026.
Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.