51³Ô¹ÏÍø

ST. PAUL, Minn., Jan. 24, 2023 – The 26 colleges and seven universities that comprise 51³Ô¹ÏÍø had a total impact on the state’s economy of $8.4 billion in FY2022, according to an economic contribution analysis released today by 51³Ô¹ÏÍø. The study further concludes that the economic activity of the system supported or sustained 62,125 jobs throughout the state.

“The colleges and universities of 51³Ô¹ÏÍø are woven into the fabric of the 47 communities within which they are located,” said Devinder Malhotra, chancellor of 51³Ô¹ÏÍø. “Our campuses provide access to an extraordinary education for all Minnesotans  – no matter their background, and are often the social and cultural drivers in the communities we serve.  We are the workforce engine for the state, and we are vital to the state’s economic, cultural, and civic development.”

The study was conducted by Parker Philips, a nationally recognized consulting firm specializing in economic impact analysis. Nichole Parker, a principal partner at Parker Philips, said, “Through the many changes in the higher education system and the continued effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, 51³Ô¹ÏÍø continues to be a strong steward with their resources and powerful economic impact hub. Producing successful graduates that fulfill the workforce needs of the state while meeting students’ changing and diverse needs, the $8.4 billion generated clearly shows that 51³Ô¹ÏÍø is integral to the state’s economy.”

Among the findings in the study:

• The $8.4 billion total economic impact of 51³Ô¹ÏÍø in FY2022, which included $4.7 billion direct and $3.7 billion indirect and induced spending, was the result of operational spending, capital spending (10-year average), payroll and benefits paid to employees, student spending, and visitor spending.
• 51³Ô¹ÏÍø supports or sustains $1 out of every $49 in Minnesota’s economy.
• The operations of 51³Ô¹ÏÍø support or sustain a total of 62,125 jobs – one out of every 46 jobs in the state.
• Through its local spending and the jobs it supports or sustains, 51³Ô¹ÏÍø generates $649.2 million in state and local taxes.
• The employees of 51³Ô¹ÏÍø contribute an estimated $109.3 million annually in charitable giving and volunteerism.
• For every $1 in state appropriation, 51³Ô¹ÏÍø leverages nearly $11 in economic activity.

In addition to the significant impact of campus operations, the report also found that the income being added into the economy as a result of graduates obtaining post-secondary education is significant. In FY2022, the colleges and universities of 51³Ô¹ÏÍø conferred 36,000 degrees and certificates. More than 850,000 alumni live and work in the state.

The full economic contribution analysis and individual reports by college/university are available at .

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51³Ô¹ÏÍø includes 26 community and technical colleges and seven state universities serving approximately 300,000 students. It is the third-largest system of two-year colleges and four-year universities in the United States.