Graduation season is an opportunity to salvage expensive household items and luxury goods abandoned by departing students.

Tax impact Duke University did not respond to requests for comment on this article. Davidson College’s total endowment was $1.4 billion as of June 2024.

The Times found that under the proposed guidelines, Davidson College would have an $800,000 student-adjusted endowment. Duke University is estimated to have a $950,000 student-adjusted endowment.

Lena Geller, 26, said she collected about $6,600 worth of items thrown away by Duke University students in her apartment building. She is wearing and seated with some of the items.

The Times found that under the proposed guidelines, Davidson College would have an $800,000 student-adjusted endowment. Duke University is estimated to have a $950,000 student-adjusted endowment.