Economic impact study measures $6.5 billion generated by UM System in Fiscal Year 2021

The results of Missouri’s latest economic impact study show that in 2021, the UM System including its four universities, MU Extension, MU athletics and academic medicine have produced $6.5 billion. The study was conducted by national firm, Tripp Umbach.

“Each of our four universities in Columbia, Kansas City, Rolla and St. Louis have provided teaching, research, outreach and economic development excellence to Missourians for more than two centuries,” UM President Mun Choi said. “We are committed to enhancing the overall economic vitality of the state, and this study shows the University of Missouri System continues to deliver on its mission to the betterment of Missouri.” 

For the study, Tripp Umbach measured the economic value generated by the UM System’s research, operations, service and expenditures throughout the state of Missouri in Fiscal Year 2021, which ran from July 1, 2020, to June 30, 2021. The impact analysis measured effects throughout the state and each branch of the UM System.

“For every state dollar invested in the University of Missouri System, Missouri taxpayers saw $15.49 in economic benefits in 2021,” said Darryl Chatman, chair of UM Board of Curators. “Investing in our universities not only continues to produce tomorrow’s leaders, educate our workforce and engage in innovative research to solve some of our biggest challenges, it’s also a good investment in our state’s economy.” 

Primary data for the study were collected from the UM System, including capital expenditures, operational expenditures, employee figures, payroll and benefits, taxes paid to local and state governments, visitation numbers for campus events, student figures, and proportions of students who live on and off campus to accurately measure their spending in the local area. Values in the report are generated by direct, indirect and induced operational spending, capital spending, payroll, visitor spending and student spending throughout Missouri.  

“More than half of our living alumni remain in Missouri after graduation and put their education to use in every sector of our state’s economy,” said Todd Graves, Board of Curators member and chair of the Academic, Student Affairs, Research and Economic Development Committee. “One in 29 Missouri workers is a graduate of one of our four universities, and each enhances the economic strength of our state.”