2017 Single-Topic News or Feature for Print/Online (Medium Staff) Finalist: The Texas Tribune Staff

“Massive Endowment at University of Texas Offers Little for Student Aid”

About the Entry

While the University of Texas system benefits from the state’s fracking boom — to the tune of a permanent endowment pushing $20 billion — the Texas Tribune’s investigation showed only a sliver of those dollars went to student financial aid.

Comments from the Judges

“A hard-hitting, exceptionally well-produced investigative piece that hits hard and evidently produced results.”

“Great job weaving Texas oil history, background from University of Texas Regents’ meetings, budget and endowment analysis, and student views on college affordability into a cohesive narrative about hypocritical college spending.”