Higher Education
A Business Advisor for Higher Education
We help your institution understand its financial picture and remain compliant with evolving regulatory standards so you can focus on your mission and your students. As your trusted business advisor, it is not only our job to keep you aware of emerging audit and tax issues impacting higher education but also to aid in improving operational efficiency, mitigating risk and communicating effectively with your institution’s key financial stakeholders.
Who We Serve
Broadcast
Media
College & University Foundations
Private & Public Institutions
NCAA Compliance
For-Profit Institutions
Why Choose Brown Edwards
Experience Matters
Our team specializes in higher education and has more than 50 years of experience providing meaningful counsel to institutions. With over 500 team members across 12 offices, we have the big-firm resources to provide customized solutions and the small-firm client care to be accessible and responsive to you.
Our clients have praised our accessibility and hands-on style,
as well as our depth of knowledge and capabilities.
Our team stays on top of changes in the industry through participation in the following organizations:
Services for Higher Education
Audits
Audit Services
- Independent external audit
- Employee benefit plan/403(b) audit
- Specialized audits – effectiveness of internal controls, reports of specific operations
- Compliance with Uniform Guidance Requirements
Ratio Analysis
Ratio Analysis
- Calculation of the Composite Financial Index and related ratios
- Calculation of Department of Education’s Composite Score
- Calculation of S&P and Moody’s ratios
- Trend analysis
Tax Services
Tax Services
- Preparation of Form 990
- Consultation regarding presentation
Unrelated Business Income
UBIT Services
- Preparation of Form 990-T and applicable state returns
- Consultations regarding proposed transactions
Compliance
Compliance Services
- Assistance with debt compliance letters
- Bond compliance reporting
- Assistance with USDA financial feasibility studies
- NCAA required agreed upon procedures
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2026 Nonprofit & Higher Education Industry Predictions
The nonprofit sector demonstrated remarkable resilience in 2025. But as organizations enter a new year, leaders must be prepared for an environment characterized by unpredictability and heightened scrutiny from policymakers. Success will require creativity and adaptability in pursuit of long-term
read more -
2026 Nonprofit & Higher Education Industry Predictions
In this year’s outlook, we highlight seven trends we expect to shape the nonprofit industry in 2026, offering insight into how evolving economic conditions, regulatory shifts, and funding dynamics will influence strategy, sustainability, and long-term impact. By examining these trends,leaders
read more
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- Accountability and Governance
- Organizational Change, Strategy & Finance
- Endowment Management
- Risk Management
- Financial Statements
- Performance Improvement
- Regulatory Changes
- Best accounting practices for higher education
2025
Higher Education
Summit
Join us for the 2025 Higher Education Summit with five virtual sessions throughout the year.
Contact our Higher Education Team
Partner, Practice Leader
Mark E. Woolwine, CPA
Mark is a partner and co-leader of the firm's higher education practice with over 25 years of experience. In his role as co-leader of the higher education practice, Mark oversees services provided to the firm's higher education clients including college and university foundations. In addition, Mark is a frequent presenter at higher education industry conferences.
Partner, Practice Leader
John C. Hash, CPA
John has over 26 years at Brown Edwards, providing assurance services and serving as a practice leader for the firm’s dealership and higher education practices. He also provides assurance services to higher education institutions, non-profit organizations, and construction contractors. In addition, John is a team captain on peer reviews of other public accounting firms.
Leslie F Roberts, CPA
Partner
Leslie F Roberts, CPA
Partner
Valerie R. Ellis, CPA, CGMA
Partner
Valerie R. Ellis, CPA, CGMA
Partner
Ready to Elevate Your Institution?
Contact us to learn more about how we partner with your institution.
