According to Charity Navigator, Washington University leads the list of consistently excellent charitable-giving colleges and universities in terms of financial efficiency.

In its most recent annual rankings, Washington University received an overall rating of 69.58 out of a possible 70 points in Charity Navigator's financial evaluation, putting it in the top spot among the 50 four-star rated academic institutions.

Following Washington University in the top 10 are Vanderbilt University, New York University, Carnegie Mellon University, the University of Southern California, Columbia University, the University of Notre Dame, Saint Louis University, Duke University and Emory University.

"It's a great honor to be recognized by Charity Navigator," said David T. Blasingame, vice chancellor for alumni and development programs. "It attests to the generosity of our alumni, parents and many other friends, and is testimony to the work done by faculty, staff and students to encourage such support."

This is not the first time the University has been recognized for its excellence in fiscal responsibility. Last year, the Web site ranked it as the best in a top-10 list of consistently excellent charitable-giving organizations.

"The fact that Washington University is able to do more with the gifts we receive from our supporters is a source of great pride for all of us," Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton said. "Our effort to encourage gifts translates into more programs, more facilities and more resources that advance our mission and support our students and faculty."

To find out how Charity Navigator evaluates charities or to read information regarding other organizations, go online to charitynavigator.org.