Curtin University
Public records raise at least one point you should look into before giving.
What it says it does
Curtin University is a globally focused higher education institution that offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in business, humanities, health sciences, resources, engineering and science. Steeped in research and innovation, Curtin is a culturally diverse university, fostering tolerance and encourages the development of career-ready individuals.
- Income
- $807.4 million
- Spending
- $761.1 million
- Spent on programs
- 73%
- Reserves
- 0.9 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- government grants, 58%
- Employees
- 3,887
- Volunteers
- 500
- Highest pay
- $645,073, vice chancellor
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Fair: 59 out of 100. Higher than 39% of charities in its peer group (education, over $100m).
Reserves
4 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 0.9 months of spending.
Debt
10 of 20It owes 33% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 6% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 12% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1573% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Fair: 62 out of 100. Higher than 1% of charities in its peer group (education, over $100m).
Independent board
5 of 250 of 13 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
0 of 8Reports no 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
0 of 10Did not give 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 December 31, 2024, 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 (1)
- $555.1 million spent. The University's educational and research programs are spread across five teaching areas. Each teaching area equips its graduates with the knowledge, skills and industry experience needed to excel in their chosen profession. - Faculty of Business and Law: Curtin Law School, Curtin Business School - Faculty of Health Sciences: Curtin Medical School, Curtin School of Nursing, Curtin School of Allied Health, Curtin School of Population Health - Faculty of Humanities: School of Design and the Built Environment, School of Education, School of Media, Creative Arts and Social Inquiry - Faculty of Science and Engineering: School of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, School of Earth and Planetary Sciences, School of Electrical Engineering, Computing and Mathematical Sciences, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, WA School of Mines: Minerals, Energy and Chemical Engineering - Centre for Aboriginal Studies: The Centre for Aboriginal Studies offers a range of pathway, undergraduate, postgraduate and research programs which aim to broaden Indigenous knowledge and contribute to Aboriginal communities and their wellbeing. Curtin is a leading research institution, known for its strength in agriculture and environment, astronomy and astrophysics, business, defense, digital and emerging technologies, digital humanities, health and medicine, Indigenous studies, minerals and energy, society and culture, space and sustainability. Curtin has close links with business, industry, government and the community, and its courses have a strong applied focus, with many involving work-integrated learning. As a result, Curtin graduates are seen as highly desirable by employers, with skills that enable them to be successful and make a genuine and positive contribution in a continuously changing world.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, 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? Caution.
The IRS master file records contributions to this 501(c)(3) charitable organization as not deductible.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, 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 December 2024.
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 March 2025.
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.