Compensation and Exit Opps from Endowments

Hi, I am just curious what compensation looks like for the analysts at large private endowments are, and how this pay scales for associate/director/etc.

Also, if I were to start my career at an endowment as an analyst, where would that leave me in terms of exit opps? Would I be pigeon-holed?

10 Comments
 
Best Response

Exit opps are more limited than a traditional banking gig. You'll most likely be focusing on institutional allocation type roles (PE FoF, HF Fof, etc.) Bschool is also another common exit. Side note: the CFA program is often encouraged. Pay is decent at the analyst/associate level (80-100k for analyst, mid-to-upper 100s for a younger associate). Analyst/associate pay is similar to banks/consulting but will definitely ramp slower. There will be a big difference in director/VP pay between an IB and an endowment. At the very top, chief investment officer, pay will be on par with MDs. Pay can vary depending on asset base and pedigree of institution. Also, some roles are in college towns where COL is nothing compare to NYC/SF. It's a pretty relaxed environment and hours are not bad; you'll probably work 50-65/wk.

 

Non-profits have to disclose a number of things on IRS form 990, including comp of top employees. Just google the organization and IRS form 990 and they should pop up. This should help show what the top people are making at your target firm. For juniors comp/hours it's mainly glassdoor and experience in the space.

Congrats on landing the endowment internship! Definitely a good (and unique) alternative to the banking path. Feel free to shoot me a message should you have any further questions.

 

I've worked on the allocator side for three years at both an advisor and an E&F and have interviewed with various other types of LPs (banks, FoFs, family offices, etc.). I generally agree with the points made by @EFInvestor32", but would caveat that pay and hours may range substantially based on LP type and function.

For example, if you're working for a $100bn+ sovereign wealth fund or a large FoF, you'll likely be making a substantial number of new commitments each year and may be doing direct deals. As a result, you'll likely make more (125-200k as an analyst) and work more (70+ hours).

On the other hand, a smaller endowment or foundation that isn't making many new commitments and runs a concentrated book (no directs) probably pays less (75-125k as an analyst) and you'll work less (~50 hours).

I worked at an advisor covering privates for 2 years. My all in comp ranged from 65-80k and I typically worked 55-80 hours per week, living in a high cost city. I now work at an E&F with comp between 120-150k working 45-60 hours per week and live in a low cost area.

 

Quae nobis reiciendis ex autem odit tenetur est. Illum aut doloremque veritatis dolores error. Autem unde est quibusdam sed voluptatum et ea autem. Id quos commodi et repudiandae quos excepturi. Tenetur officiis ad dolor ad ut repellat.

Maiores soluta eius maiores quis enim dignissimos nam. Doloribus vel quisquam nam. Officia ut ut et unde. Natus et ab beatae asperiores alias ut. Ullam debitis modi minima sed at porro.

Nihil eius et eligendi. Culpa repellat tempora sed incidunt. Saepe exercitationem voluptatibus necessitatibus et. Nihil ducimus ducimus optio quae mollitia error. Minus quia enim eum corporis dolorem sunt assumenda.

Rerum voluptas modi facere qui sint. Blanditiis et tempore qui sunt totam sint. Facere assumenda et saepe inventore rerum. Quia fuga ex magnam eum numquam quos molestias. Delectus suscipit voluptates voluptas optio provident id.

Career Advancement Opportunities

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.9%
  • Goldman Sachs 02 97.3%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.9%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.3%

Professional Growth Opportunities

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.3%

Total Avg Compensation

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (53) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (28) $184
  • Intern/Summer Associate (15) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (76) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
10
numi's picture
numi
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”