- The University of Wisconsin System contributes $9.5 billion dollars to Wisconsin’s economy annually-5.5 percent of the state’s gross state product.
- UW System activities are responsible for 150,699 Wisconsin jobs, which is 5.5 percent of Wisconsin’s employed workforce.
- The UW System’s presence in the state generates $408 million dollars in state income and sales tax revenue annually, about one-third of the $1 billion budget allocation the UW receives from the state.
- Almost 70 percent of the $3.3 billion UW System revenue comes from sources other than state taxes.
- UW System employees spend more than $1 billion in Wisconsin annually.
- UW System students spend more than $1.3 billion annually in Wisconsin over and above tuition, fees and university supplied room and board.
- Visitors to UW-related events spend more than $726 million dollars in the state.
- Wisconsin realizes a 9 percent return on its investment in a UW System baccalaureate degree through higher taxes paid by UW graduates.
- The state is paid back for educating a UW System baccalaureate student in less than 10 years.
- UWS baccalaureate degree holders reap a 30 percent return on their education investment beyond high school.
- A UW System student is paid back for their higher education in less than 3 years.
- A UW System graduate will earn almost $1 million more than a high school graduate, twice that amount for a doctoral or professional degree.
- The positive cultural and social impacts of an educated populace immeasurably enhance Wisconsin’s quality of life.
Based on “The Economic Impact of the UW System”
Study by Northstar Economics, Inc., Madison, WI
www.northstareconomics.com
September 12, 2002