The University of Wisconsin System contributes $24 billion to the state’s economy each year, which is a 23-fold return on Wisconsin’s investment in the university, according to a new study.
“We are grateful for the significant, long-term investment in the UW System made by the State of Wisconsin, helping to make it one of the finest systems of public higher education in the world,” said UW System President Ray Cross. “The 23-to-1 economic return on that investment generates a statewide impact on communities and rural regions in all 72 counties across Wisconsin.”
The UW System’s $24 billion economic impact in 2016-17 represents 7.7 percent of the total economic activity in the state, according to the study.
The study also shows that the economic impact of UW System campuses, organizations and activities create and/or support nearly 167,000 jobs annually – representing about 1 in 20 of the total number of employed workers in Wisconsin. UW System’s economic activity also generates over $1.1 billion in state and local tax revenues each year.
“The breadth of UW System activity is striking,” said Dr. David J. Ward, CEO of NorthStar Analytics, which conducted the study. “With the state contributing slightly over $1 billion to the university system’s budget in fiscal year 2016-17, Wisconsin taxpayers are realizing a substantial return on their investment in the UW System.”
See the study here.