Lincoln, NE — LINCOLN, Neb. — The University of Nebraska System has a significant economic impact on the state, according to a comprehensive study conducted by consulting firm Tripp Umbach. University President Jeffery Gold announced the findings on Tuesday.
Paul Umbach, president and founder of Tripp Umbach, highlighted key points from the report.
"Number one, on a per capita basis, the University of Nebraska does more to impact its state than any other university in the country," Umbach said. "Number two, the University of Nebraska is driven to innovate and grow economic development around the state in every legislative district and every county. And the third thing I want to leave you with is that we’re really just reporting this to show the tip of the iceberg."
The study found that the University of Nebraska System contributes $6.4 billion to the state's economy. It also discovered that one in ten jobs in Nebraska is linked to the university, and there is a $10 return for every $1 of state investment.
Gold emphasized the importance of the university's impact on students and their contributions to the community after graduation.
"I think the message is very simple," Gold said. "That the value proposition of the University of Nebraska is huge and continues to grow."
The report identified two primary ways the system affects Nebraska's business volume: direct expenditures and indirect and direct spending, which provide services back to the school and inject money into the state.