Dozens of elite American universities reported accepting millions of dollars in foreign funding from entities that appear on federal watchlists, including some with ties to the Chinese military. In the latter half of 2025, these universities collectively received $27.6 million from foreign sources flagged by the government, according to data from the State and Education Departments.
Among the institutions named are Northwestern University, the University of California at Irvine, the University of Connecticut, Bryant University, and the University of California at Berkeley. An Education Department spokeswoman stated that American universities have received nearly $405 million from "counterparties of concern" that pose risks to national security.
Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy Sarah B. Rogers sent a letter to these universities urging heightened diligence regarding these foreign funding relationships, citing national security implications. The Trump administration, through its updated Section 117 Dashboard, aims to increase transparency regarding foreign funding to universities.
The Aero Engine Corporation of China, listed on the Treasury Department’s Foreign Assets Control List due to its connection with the Chinese military, reportedly paid $7.8 million to Northwestern University, UC Irvine, and the University of Connecticut over several years. This corporation develops engines for fighter jets and attack helicopters used by China’s People’s Liberation Army and is also classified as a "military end-user entity" by the Department of Commerce.
UC Berkeley received a $7.6 million grant from Sun Yat-sen University, which is on the Pentagon’s "1286 List" for engaging in "problematic activities." A spokesman for UC Berkeley stated the university complies with all regulations for contracts and gifts from foreign sources and is reviewing the government's data and related reporting.
Bryant University had a $22.6 million contract with the Beijing Institute of Technology for a jointly operated academic program in China. The Beijing Institute of Technology is on two federal watchlists. A Bryant University spokesman clarified that the program was for educational instruction only, did not involve research or technology transfer, and was terminated after the Beijing Institute of Technology acquired the Zhuhai institution and was added to a Department of Defense watchlist. The program is expected to conclude by June 2027.
Northwestern University, UC Berkeley, UC Irvine, and the University of Connecticut did not immediately respond to requests for comment.