by Jeff Della Rosa (JDellaRosa@nwabj.com)
The University of Arkansas’ economic impact on the state exceeds “a fairly conservative” $3 billion annually, UA leaders said. They expect the impact to rise as the university continues to break enrollment records.
In a Tuesday (Sept. 10) press conference, UA leaders released an overview of its 2024 Economic Impact Report completed over the past year by the Center for Business and Economic Research in the Sam M. Walton College of Business. Leaders said the full report will be released online in the coming weeks.
The economic impact is up 36.36% from a 2018 report showing the university’s $2.2 billion annual economic impact on the state. The new report is based on 2023 data and comprises workforce development, applied research and innovation, student expenditures, visitor spending, and construction and operations.
University of Arkansas Chancellor Charles Robinson announced Tuesday (Sept. 10) the UA's $3 billion economic impact on the state.