founded in 2009, Zaytuna College stands as the first accredited Muslim liberal arts college in the United States. Based in Berkeley, California, the institution seeks to bridge the gap between Islamic and Western scholarly traditions through its BA in Liberal Arts and Islamic Studies and MA in Islamic Texts. The college operates as a direct service provider in the higher education space, having awarded 158 degrees to date. Financially, the organization reported a total revenue of $18,359,667 in 2023, reflecting a 3-year revenue CAGR of 19.7%. While the college maintains extraordinary financial stability with 33.6 months of working capital, its program expense ratio of 56.0% is notably lower than the peer median of 85.3%. This indicates that a significant portion of annual revenue is directed toward institutional growth and reserves rather than immediate educational delivery. For Muslim donors, the college offers a verified zakat-eligible giving path, specifically designed to support students who qualify under categories such as the poor (fuqara) and the needy (masakin).
Impact assesses organizational indicators associated with effective programs. Alignment reflects fit with Muslim donor priorities.
Best for donors who want to invest in the long-term intellectual infrastructure of the American Muslim community through an accredited educational institution.
“According to many scholars, institutions such as Zaytuna College meet the requirements for zakat eligibility. However, we have chosen to limit the zakat funds only to the total cost of education for zakat eligible students and not for any other institutional expenditures. We take this sacred trust very seriously, so if you choose to give a portion of your zakat to Zaytuna College, we will do our utmost, God willing, to ensure its most judicious and shariah compliant use. Additionally, Zaytuna College has a dedicated 'Zakat Fund' which 'serves as the basis of our financial aid program and is utilized to cover the total cost of educating a zakat-eligible student.' (Source: https://zaytuna.edu/Zakat-Essentials)”