A report by the Anderson Economic Group released today in Lansing shows Michigan’s public universities create jobs for more than 120,000 people and spur nearly $24 billion in economic activity in the state.
The report, commissioned by the Presidents Council,
State Universities of Michigan, shows Grand Valley State University
employs nearly 2,400, is responsible for another 1,382 jobs, and
provides a tremendous economic boost to the counties in which it has campuses.
The report looks at payroll and non-payroll spending, university
spending and student spending. The non-payroll spending for Grand
Valley looks at areas like construction, research and athletics. That
totals nearly $158 million spent in Michigan, $178 million spent in total.
The student spending includes items like room and board, books,
clothes and their off-campus meals and entertainment. That totals more
than $330 million.
According to this AEG report, Grand Valley is responsible for a
$1.2 billion economic footprint as part of the $24 billion total for
all universities.
The report contains a complete county-by-county breakdown of
economic activity.
“This report illustrates how important and relevant universities
are to the state’s overall economic health,” Grand Valley President
Thomas J. Haas said. “Grand Valley and all of Michigan’s fine public
universities give a remarkable return on investment to the people of
this state. We also create economic opportunities and the talent that
contribute to the vitality of our communities.”
Other notable findings:
- Michigan has the 6th highest
enrollment in public universities in the nation;
- There are
1.3 million public university alumni living in Michigan, earning $47
billion in salaries and wages in 2012;
- Public universities
bring 121,000 jobs to the state; compared to the 150,000 jobs in
automobile manufacturing in Michigan.
To see the full report, visit pcsum.org .
