Report finds University of Alaska generates $1.2 billion for Alaska’s economy

September 14, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, September 14, 2026

Report finds University of Alaska generates $1.2 billion for Alaska's economy

Analysis from McKinley Research Group finds UA supports more than 10,000 jobs statewide, returns $1.80 for every state dollar invested.

(FAIRBANKS) - The University of Alaska (UA) contributed $1.2 billion to Alaska's economy and supported more than 10,000 jobs in fiscal year 2025, according to a new economic analysis released today. The 2026 "Economic Benefits of the University of Alaska" report was conducted by Anchorage-based McKinley Research Group, and covers Fiscal Year 2025 (July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025).

The full report and summary handout are available from the Office of Public Affairs [alaska.edu/opa/].

"The University of Alaska is one of Alaska's major economic engines, and our work continues to empower our state," UA President Matt Cooper said. "For every state dollar invested in the University, UA brings in $1.80. That return on investment, our research strength, and ability to retain Alaskans puts the university in a strong position for the years ahead."

McKinley Research Group analyzed UA's employment, payroll, purchasing, revenue, and enrollment data for academic and fiscal year 2025, using IMPLAN, the standard input-output model used for economic impact analysis nationwide. The firm and its predecessor have conducted similar studies of the University of Alaska since 1998. This report is an updated version of a previous one that comprehensively reviewed UA's economic impact in Fiscal Year 2022 (July 1, 2021 - June 30, 2022).

Key Findings

The report's findings demonstrate that UA provides substantial economic benefits to communities across the state. Among them:

• UA's programs and services generated $1.2 billion in total economic activity in FY2025.
• UA supported over 10,000 jobs and $759 million in payroll statewide, including nearly 7,000 people employed directly by the university.
• If UA were a private employer, it would be the largest in the state.
• UA spent $135 million with more than 300 Alaska businesses in 30 communities, including Palmer and Wasilla ($11 million), Southeast Alaska ($5 million), the Kenai Peninsula ($3 million), Kodiak ($2 million), and Nome ($1 million).
• The state's $335 million in unrestricted general funds in FY2025 allowed UA to generate more than $600 million in revenue from tuition, federal research funding, and other sources.
• For every $1 the state invests, UA brings in $1.80

The report also summarizes UA's role in building and maintaining Alaska's workforce. In Fall 2024, 85% of UA students were Alaska residents from communities all across the state. UA awarded over 3,400 degrees, certificates, and endorsements in Academic Year 2025 across 600 unique programs, with concentrations in STEM (700 degrees), health (661 degrees), teacher education and liberal arts (661 degrees).

Those graduates stay in Alaska. A study from the Alaska Department of Labor following 27,000 graduates from high-demand programs over a decade (2013-2023) found that 76% of graduates with at least a bachelor's degree were working in Alaska within a year of completing their degree. 82% of graduates with certificates or associate degrees were also working in Alaska within a year of graduation.

"UA helps Alaska retain Alaskans to support our workforce, economy, and communities," President Cooper said. "When Alaskans leave our state for post-secondary education, most of them don't come back. But when they study here, most of them stay, meaning UA plays a critical role in building Alaska's future."

The University of Alaska inspires learning, and advances and disseminates knowledge through teaching, research, and public service, emphasizing the North and its diverse peoples. A land-, sea- and space-grant system of higher education established in 1917, the UA system's three universities (UAA, UAF, and UAS) are separately accredited institutions with community campusesand extended learning centers across the state of Alaska.

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For more information, contact Jonathon Taylor, UA director of public affairs at 907-350-0168 (cell), or via email at [email protected].