New study finds the University of Minnesota adds $11.5 billion a year to Minnesota’s economy—$165.3 million of that comes from the Morris campus.
Tripp Umbach, a Pittsburgh-based national research firm, has released the results of a study that finds the University of Minnesota (UMN) contributes $11.5 billion a year in economic activity to the state of Minnesota; $163.5 million of that comes from the Morris campus.
The Economic and Community Impact study measured the direct and indirect impact of University of Minnesota activities for fiscal year 2024, to include its role in job creation, economic growth and community development for the state. The University’s overall economic impact in 2024 was $11.5 billion, including supporting more than 89,000 jobs and generating $676 million in state taxes. Findings from the full report were presented to the Board of Regents on Friday, May 9.
The $165.3 million for the Morris campus represents a 93% increase – $79.7 million – since a 2018 study.
Jobs and Revenue
Tripp Umbach found that the employment impacts of the Morris campus supported 1,689 jobs throughout the state. Of these, 360 positions are directly supported by the University, including faculty, researchers, administrative staff, and operational personnel. And the campus’s operations generated an additional $9.8 million in state and local government revenue.
Tripp Umbach also found that for every dollar the state invests in the University of Minnesota system, it generates $16.75 in the state’s economy.
The Overall Impact
Tripp Umbach adds that the University’s overall impact to the state, including that of the Morris campus, goes beyond economic outcomes. This impact extends to the development of human capital, the promotion of civic values, and more.
“UMN Morris changes the workforce and changes lives, as evident in such things as the campus social mobility ranking: #57 in the nation among all national liberal arts colleges, public and private, and #4 among just public liberal arts colleges,” said Chancellor Janet Schrunk Ericksen. “You can find our alumni in the jobs that every community needs—accountants, teachers, lawyers, journalists, artists, business owners, and more; they are innovators and advocates for the value of a UMN Morris education.”
Each year, about 200 Morris graduates enter the workforce or pursue advanced study, many in Minnesota. There are 14,000 Morris alumni in the state—over 1,400 of whom live in Stevens and adjacent counties.
About the Study
Tripp Umbach’s calculations include impacts from UMN’s five campuses, University research, outreach initiatives, UMN Extension, M Health, and UMN Research and Outreach Centers for Fiscal Year 2024, offering a comprehensive, data-driven assessment of the University’s contributions. For more on the University’s economic impact and the Tripp Umbach survey, visit government-relations.umn.edu/economic-impact.
About UMN Morris
Founded in 1960, the University of Minnesota Morris is a nationally ranked top 10 public liberal arts university dedicated to its students and the environment. One of five campuses within the University of Minnesota System, our beautiful, sustainable campus in the heart of the prairie gives students the space to be themselves, follow their passions, and find their purpose. With numerous opportunities for hands-on learning, undergraduate research, and study abroad, students will get a comprehensive, well-rounded education while mastering transferable skills like critical thinking, effective communication, and creative problem-solving. Most of all, they will be career-flexible and well-positioned for what comes next. Learn more at morris.umn.edu.