On what do colleges typically spend the most?

To better understand how universities operate, I'd like to know more about their spending habits. What are the main areas where colleges typically allocate a large portion of their funding?

Colleges and universities spend their budget on a variety of areas; however, some areas tend to receive more allocation than others. Below are some of the main expenses on a university's budget:

1. Instruction: This category includes the salaries and benefits of faculty members, as well as any costs related to the classes themselves such as textbooks and classroom supplies. This line item is typically considered a priority as it directly impacts the quality of students' education.

2. Research: For research-focused universities, a significant portion of the budget might be dedicated to conducting research, which includes salaries for research staff, laboratory equipment, and materials, and travel for research purposes.

3. Student Services: These are the programs and services aimed directly at students, like counseling, career guidance, student health services, athletics, and extracurricular clubs.

4. Institutional Support: This refers to the operational costs for running a university, including administration salaries, admissions/recruitment, legal services, and planning.

5. Auxiliary Services: Things like housing, dining services, bookstores, and other campus activities often make up a large part of a university's expenses.

6. Scholarships and Financial Aid: Universities also typically set aside a considerable amount of their budget to assist students in paying for their education. This includes institutional scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial aid.

Remember that each university might have a slightly different budget allocation depending on their specific priorities and institutional goals. For example, a large public university might spend more on research due to its mission and availability of resources, while a small liberal arts college might prioritize instruction and student services.