UW-Whitewater and its alumni contribute more than $1.4 billion to Wisconsin’s economy each year

UW-Whitewater and its alumni contribute more than $1.4 billion to Wisconsin's economy each year

January 13, 2025

Findings of two new studies show the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and Warhawk alumni have a significant impact on Wisconsin's economy, to the tune of more than $1.4 billion annually.

The studies, published today by the Fiscal and Economic Research Center (FERC), explore and quantify how UW-Whitewater's operations - and the more than 38,000 UW-Whitewater alumni currently in the state's workforce - affect economic activity in Wisconsin.

"It is part of our mission at UW-Whitewater to serve as an economic driver of our region and to boldly champion education, opportunity and prosperity for all," said Corey A. King, chancellor. "We're proud - but not surprised - by this research that shows the Warhawk family has a considerable effect on Wisconsin's economy."

Operational impact

Just by carrying out its day-to-day academic mission and auxiliary operations, the university attracts money, employment and volunteerism into Walworth, Rock and Jefferson counties, said Russ Kashian, director of FERC. "University and student spending together account for the largest impact on the region, followed by art and entertainment events, athletics competitions, and youth camps," he said.

All of this leads to $514,750,000 in annual economic activity and the creation of 2,681 jobs, according to the report. In addition to this regional impact, the university generates $24,465,000 in annual tax revenue for the state, including sales, income, and property tax.

Alumni impact + value of a UW-Whitewater degree

When UW-Whitewater's alumni are considered, the benefit to Wisconsin's financial picture is even more impactful. The 38,000 alumni currently living and working in the state have a collective economic output of $890 million. In addition, they pay $145 million more in sales and income tax than those without a college degree.

"UW-Whitewater graduates are crucial to strengthening Wisconsin's job market," Kashian said. "Our research revealed the average alum is earning $97,500 per year. In comparison, the average annual income of a 25- to 54-year-old high school graduate is $46,208.

Kashian noted that every discipline at UW-Whitewater is represented in high earner categories, from arts and education to business and the social sciences.

"At a time when there is a lot of conversation about whether a college degree is a wise financial decision, it's absolutely clear from the data that UW-Whitewater graduates are thriving in their careers. A UW-Whitewater degree is an exceptional investment, and it's paying off faster than ever," Kashian said.

For the UW-Whitewater class of 1995, the rate of return on their college investment took 10.3 years. For graduates in 2015, that had decreased to just 8.4 years, much faster than the national average of 13 years.

"Our alumni are our legacy, and this study confirms our Warhawk graduates are enjoying successful careers and making positive contributions to the State of Wisconsin," said Chancellor King.

About the research

To determine the university's economic impact, FERC used institutional spending data combined with student and visitor surveys. Respondents were asked to calculate the total amount they spend each month across various categories such as food, housing, and transportation within the local economy.

To determine the alumni economic impact, FERC used alumni survey data from the Classes of 1982-2023 combined with data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Consumer Expenditure Survey.

The full reports are available at the Fiscal and Economic Research Center website.

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.