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  • Growing Nebraska's Economy:

    HOW THE NU SYSTEM IMPACTS THE STATE

    read the report
  • Growing Nebraska's Economy:

    HOW THE NU SYSTEM IMPACTS THE STATE

    read the report
  • Growing Nebraska's Economy:

    HOW the NU System IMPACTS THE STATE

    read the report
  • Growing Nebraska's Economy:

    HOW THE NU SYSTEM IMPACTS THE STATE

    read the report

The University of Nebraska System: A $5.8 billion annual economic engine for the state

For over 150 years, the University of Nebraska has served the citizens of the state through high-quality, affordable education; research that improves quality of life; and engagement with citizens in every county. Thanks to its partnership with the state and support from the private sector, the university has been successful in fulfilling its responsibility to Nebraskans.

Today the University of Nebraska is in a strong position to help grow Nebraska for the future. The NU System’s four campuses are major economic drivers, providing almost 11,000 graduates annually for the workforce, conducting and commercializing innovative research, delivering high-quality clinical care and leveraging partnerships to attract talent and create jobs. The university also contributes to a thriving arts and cultural community in Nebraska.

The university engaged Tripp Umbach, a leading national consultant, to conduct an independent analysis of the University of Nebraska’s impact on the state’s economic and social vitality. Tripp Umbach’s analysis demonstrates that the university’s impact is significant and far-reaching. The NU System’s academic activities have an annual impact of $5.8 billion on Nebraska’s economy, and the university supports 1 out of every 27 jobs in the state.

In addition, 1 out of every 7 working-age Nebraskans has a University of Nebraska degree. The accumulated impact of former students grow the state’s earning power by nearly $2.9 billion annually. This puts Nebraskans in a stronger position to hold good jobs, support their families and contribute to their communities.

Beyond the data, the university touches virtually every Nebraskan. It may be through providing an opportunity for a first-generation student to earn a degree, providing care for a cancer patient, supporting an aspiring entrepreneur, or advancing agricultural productivity. The University of Nebraska plays a vital role in the state’s economic success and quality of life, helping Nebraska to be successful.

  • “This new analysis is the latest confirmation that the University of Nebraska is one of the largest drivers of economic and individual growth in our state. The numbers alone are powerful, demonstrating the remarkable return we provide on Nebraskans’ investment."

    Ted Carter, President
    University of Nebraska System

  • "When we factor in the cutting-edge research we conduct to improve lives around the world, the outreach we perform in every corner of the state, and the transformational education we provide to 52,000 students every year, it’s clear that the state of Nebraska cannot prosper without its public university.”

    Ted Carter, President
    University of Nebraska System

  • “A 9-to-1 return on investment is an impressive result for Nebraska taxpayers. From my chair, the University of Nebraska has been a responsible and forward-thinking steward of its resources. These findings demonstrate that the University of Nebraska has been able to turn Nebraskans’ investment into impact that extends to every corner of the state – rural and urban alike, from my district in Western Nebraska all the way east.”

    Senator John Stinner
    Appropriations Committee Chairman, Nebraska Legislature

  • “The takeaway from this report couldn’t be any more clear: Investment in higher education pays off big-time for the State of Nebraska. Not only does the University of Nebraska turn every dollar it receives into growth for the state, but it transforms the lives of our next generation of leaders in so many ways that we can’t fully quantify.”

    Senator Lynne Walz
    Nebraska Legislature

  • “When it comes to our state’s most important industry, agriculture, the University of Nebraska is an invaluable partner. The university provides innovative research to support our farmers and ranchers, educates the agricultural workforce of the future, and serves families in every county through Extension and outreach. We are fortunate to have a partner whose investment in agriculture is helping grow our state.”

    Mark McHargue, President
    Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation

  • "Workforce is our generational challenge. We all need to work together to bring solutions, but no single entity in the state brings the scale and scope of the University of Nebraska. We know intuitively, and this report confirms, that a strong and growing university is vital to building the workforce Nebraska needs to stay competitive."

    Bryan Slone, President
    Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry

2021 Economic Impact Report

This is the third time that the university has engaged Tripp Umbach, a leading national consultant with expertise in economic impact studies, to conduct an independent analysis of the University of Nebraska’s impact. Studies have been done every three years.

Tripp Umbach’s analysis demonstrates that the university’s economic and social impact is significant and far-reaching. The analysis was presented on February 11 to the NU Board of Regents, and details the NU System’s impact by campus, region and legislative district.

You can read the full report, the Board presentation, and a one-pager below.

Beyond the data—hear and read stories about our economic impact 

Economic Impact News and Media Mentions

News Channel Nebraska
News Channel Nebraska
News Channel Nebraska
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Discover Our Podcast Series

“Leading Nebraska” tells the stories of researchers, students and staff who are making an impact. Join us as we follow Ted Carter, president of the University of Nebraska. He talks about how Nebraska was one of the only university systems in the country to grow during the pandemic—and how that growth impacts the state’s economy and success.

Listen today on: 

9 to 1

The NU System returns $9 to Nebraska for every $1 invested

11,000

The NU System graduates almost 11,000 students each year to fill Nebraska's workforce

1 in 7

The NU System provides a college degree to 1 in 7 working Nebraskans

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