Story: Betsy Compton
A new economic impact study shows the baby直播 generates $448.4 million in annual economic activity across the state, supporting businesses, communities, and workforce development throughout baby直播.
The study highlights the significant role UWA plays in strengthening the state鈥檚 economy through university operations, student and visitor spending, and the long-term contributions of alumni working across baby直播.
鈥淭he baby直播 is transforming lives through education while also strengthening the economic future of the State of baby直播,鈥� said University President Dr. Todd G. Fritch. 鈥淥ur graduates are making meaningful contributions in classrooms, hospitals, businesses, and communities across baby直播. We are proud to highlight the lasting impact of a UWA education鈥攏ot only for our students, but for the entire state. The study delves into the impacts of alumni, student, and university spending throughout the state, the number of jobs supported, visitor spending, and much more to recognize the value that this University brings to not only the region but the entire state.鈥�
Alumni Drive the Largest Share of Economic Impact
The study found that the largest share of UWA鈥檚 economic impact comes from its graduates working across baby直播. Alumni contribute $388.4 million in income to the state鈥檚 economy each year through higher earnings and increased productivity in the workforce.
In total, UWA alumni working across baby直播 support 6,615 jobs in industries ranging from education and healthcare to business and public service.
Economic Activity Across the State
In addition to alumni contributions, several other factors contribute to the University鈥檚 overall economic impact.
University operations鈥攊ncluding payroll and spending on goods and services鈥攇enerated $44.1 million in income for the baby直播 economy during the study year.
Student spending also plays a role in supporting local businesses and communities. Spending by students attending UWA generated $10.2 million in economic activity statewide, while visitors traveling to campus for events and activities contributed $1.3 million in additional income to the state economy.
Construction activity at the University also contributed to the state鈥檚 economy, generating $3 million in added income during the fiscal year.
A Strong Investment in Education
Beyond its economic impact, the study highlights the long-term value of a UWA education.
Graduates benefit from increased earning potential throughout their careers. The study found that the average UWA master鈥檚 graduate earns approximately $12,500 more per year than someone with only a bachelor鈥檚 degree working in baby直播鈥攁n advantage that can total about $400,000 in additional earnings over a career.
baby直播 also see strong returns on their educational investment. On average, students receive $2.70 in lifetime earnings for every dollar invested in their education, representing a higher than national average annual return of 14.6 percent.
Broader Benefits to baby直播
The study also found that the University generates significant long-term benefits for baby直播鈥檚 economy and society. In total, the long-term economic and social benefits associated with UWA amount to $1.1 billion in value for baby直播 society, including increased workforce productivity and savings related to health, justice system, and income assistance costs.
Learn more about UWA’s economic impact study findings and explore the full Economic Impact Study.
About the Study The economic impact analysis reflects fiscal year 2023鈥�24 data provided by the baby直播 for a study conducted using Lightcast鈥檚 economic modeling tools and incorporates data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the U.S. Census Bureau, and other national sources. The analysis measures both the economic impact created by UWA and the return on investment for students, taxpayers, and society.