OSU generates over $3.82B impact in Oklahoma economy

OSU generates over $3.82B impact in Oklahoma economy

Monday, September 22, 2025

Media Contact: Mack Burke | Associate Director of Media Relations | 405-744-5540 | [email protected]

A new economic impact report highlights Oklahoma State University's ongoing role as a powerful return on investment in public higher education.

The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education recently released a report showing that the state system of higher education contributed $14.61 billion to Oklahoma's economy in fiscal year 2024. OSU alone accounted for more than $3.82 billion of that impact, supporting nearly 27,000 jobs and producing $110.3 million in state and local tax revenue.

"Oklahoma State University continues to deliver exceptional value to our state," OSU President Jim Hess said. "This report highlights the vital role OSU plays in advancing economic growth, innovation and workforce development across Oklahoma."

According to the report, OSU and its constituent agencies received $231.4 million in state appropriations last year. For every dollar invested, the university generated $16.51 in total economic output, nearly matching the return seen across the broader state system.

That output stems from operational spending, student expenditures and the ongoing economic activity of alumni. Of the $3.82 billion total, $1.94 billion came from direct OSU spending and another $1.88 billion came from indirect impact such as increased demand, jobs and income across other industries.

The university's presence supported 26,872 jobs and more than $1.68 billion in wages statewide.

"This report affirms the role OSU plays as a key driver of economic development across Oklahoma," OSU Provost Jeanette Mendez said. "We're not only graduating students who stay and work in the state, we're also strengthening rural communities, advancing research and attracting new industries."

The broader report found that 93.7% of resident undergraduates from Oklahoma public colleges and universities were working in the state one year after graduation, along with 61.3% of non-resident graduates. At OSU, that workforce development mission includes expanding programs in teacher education, engineering, computer science, health care and applied technologies.

OSU Polytech, launched in 2023, is one of several university-led initiatives aimed at fast-tracking students into high-demand careers while meeting the needs of Oklahoma employers.

The report also noted that Oklahoma's Promise, the state's premier scholarship program, generated $5.88 in economic output for every $1 invested. OSU is a leading destination for Oklahoma's Promise recipients, many of whom remain in the state to launch their careers after graduation.

With more than 355,000 service hours contributed by students, faculty and staff, and over 3.7 million hours dedicated to experiential learning activities, OSU's impact stretches beyond dollars and jobs.

"We take pride in the economic return we generate, but our greatest impact lies in the lives we help shape and the communities we strengthen," Dr. Hess said. "That is the enduring promise of OSU's land-grant mission."

To read the full report, visit https://okhighered.org/econ-dev/#economic-impact.