Newman University, in conjunction with the Kansas Independent College Association (KICA), released the results of a study that estimates the impact of Newman University on the Kansas economy.
According to the examination, Newman has a $68 million economic impact and supports more than 500 jobs statewide.
The review shows the 20 universities and colleges that comprise the KICA contributed $1.1 billion to the state’s economy in the 2021 fiscal year.
President Kathleen S. Jagger believes the university has a significant economic impact on Kansas beyond the numbers.
“Our faculty and staff are committed to student success and our mission of empowering graduates to positively transform society,” Jagger said. “And it is important to remember that Newman University also plays a vital role in both the state and the regional economies.”
She continued, “The resulting economic activity generated by our faculty, staff and students reaches virtually every corner of our local economy including education, hospitality, healthcare, retail and more.”
KICA President Matt Lindsey added, “The private, nonprofit colleges and universities of Kansas play an essential role in growing Kansas’ economy — through talent development and opening the doors of educational opportunity for the citizens of Kansas.”
Economic analysis conducted by national firm
The study was commissioned by the association and conducted by Parker Philips, a nationally recognized consulting firm specializing in economic impact analysis. Nichole Parker, a principal partner at Parker Philips, said, “Economic impact is an objective way to measure the significance of an organization in the regional economy. Newman University clearly is a major contributor to the regional economy.”
In the analysis, the study considered the direct spending on operations, pay, benefits and capital projects by Newman and the estimated increase in demand for goods and services in industry sectors that supply or support the university. The study also measured the effect of student spending and the induced effect of increased household income.
According to the study, a key result of this activity is that Newman University supports and sustains 524 jobs including direct employment by the university as well as indirect and induced jobs created by supply and equipment vendors, contractors and laborers for the construction and renovation of facilities, and jobs created in the community at hotels, restaurants and retail stores in support of the university’s faculty, staff, students and visitors.
Tax revenue
The study also calculated tax revenue generated by this level of economic activity, including sales, property, personal income and corporate income taxes. The study concluded that Newman generates about $4.8 million in tax revenues for state and local government.
Impact of Newman alumni
With more than 11,000 alumni living and working in Kansas, Newman graduates generate $184.4 million annually in economic output for the Kansas community, support and sustain 1,157 jobs and contribute $11.5 million in state and local taxes. These impacts are based on the added value of earning a degree or credential from Newman, not alumni full wages.
“Newman’s ‘Degree of Difference’ is an even more valuable and life-changing experience in today’s world, and because it impacts the entire working career of each alumni, we make a long-term contribution to the regional economy with every graduating class,” Jagger said.
Newman volunteers
In addition to the university’s overall economic impact, it is estimated that Newman students, faculty and staff give $157,204 annually to charitable donations and volunteer 150,000 hours, valued at $3.5 million. In 2021, the combined impact of charitable giving and volunteerism totaled $3.7 million.
Alumni impact from all KICA schools
The total of alumni living and working in the state of all 20 KICA members is more than 115,000. Each year, these alumni generate $1.9 billion in economic impact, support and sustain 11,600 jobs, and contribute $115.5 million in state and local taxes.
You can view the economic impact report for Newman University HERE.
Support Newman University
When you choose to give to Newman University, you get to choose how your donation will make an impact on students. Consider giving to the Newman Fund, the Metanoia Fund, the Athletics Fund, or the Fine Arts Fund.
