A-State's Economic Impact Measured at $2.5 Billion, Creating and Sustaining 16,332 Jobs

JONESBORO – A new analysis shows that Arkansas State University (A-State) generates an annual economic impact of $2.5 billion and supports 16,332 jobs statewide.

The study, conducted by the Bureau of Business and Economic Research at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, analyzed data from fiscal year 2022-2023.

Key findings include:

• The direct and indirect economic impact of A-State's operations at the Jonesboro campus, student spending, and visitor spending reached $480 million and supported 5,251 jobs.
• More significantly, the impact generated by A-State alumni currently living and working across Arkansas is $2 billion, supporting 11,081 jobs.

Dr. Todd Shields, Chancellor of Arkansas State University, remarked: "These figures underscore A-State's vital role not only as a center of higher education but also as a powerful economic engine for Jonesboro and the entire State of Arkansas."

Shields added: "We are proud of our contributions to training a skilled workforce, attracting investment, and supporting business growth. The success of our students and alumni is the clearest evidence of A-State's lasting impact on the state's prosperity."

The study used an input-output analysis model to estimate economic impact. This model tracks the flow of money through the economy and measures how initial spending (in this case, A-State's operations, student spending, and visitor spending) ripples through the economy, generating additional (indirect and induced) economic impacts. The impact of alumni was calculated based on the increase in income they earn thanks to their A-State degree compared to those with only a high school diploma.

Read the full report at: https://redwolv.es/EconomicImpact