Wayne State College delivered $573.1 million to Nebraska’s economy in the years 2022-2023, according to an economic impact study.
Within this study, WSC employed 991 faculty and staff with a payroll of $35 million, which contributes $36.3 million to the state’s economy. There is a lasting impact on the students because they contributed $3.8 million to the local economy through living expenses, according to the Wayne State College website.
“Studies like this confirm for students that the money they spend on a Wayne State education delivers solid returns on their investment,” Jay Collier, the director of college relations, said. Students can also expect to earn $4.90 in lifetime earnings for every dollar they have invested into the college, according to the Wayne State College website.
“These returns benefit the students in terms of lifetime earnings and ensure that the Nebraska economy is made healthier by the contributions of Wayne State graduates,” Collier said. Alumni from WSC have significantly left a positive impact on Nebraska’s economy.
Former students of WSC that are employed in Nebraska added $529.5 million in income, demonstrating the long-term value of getting an education at Wayne State.
This study also shows the impact of student tuition on Nebraska’s economy, according to the Wayne State College website.
“Tuition and fees supply the college with the resources it needs in connection to
our state to improve our instruction and facilities. In turn, the college’s spending on construction and growth has a direct effect on jobs and the economy,” Collier said. The construction of new residence hall and athletic facilities play a significant role in this study.
Construction investments and capital projects contributed $3.4 million in added income through short-term job creation and spending, according to the Wayne State College website. The college is expected to contribute an even higher amount in the years to come because of these construction investments.
“I would expect the numbers to be higher given enrollment growth, additional large-scale construction projects such as the Athletic and Recreational Complex [ARC] and Stearns Hall, additional graduates added to the workforce and increases in pay for our employees,” Collier said. Wayne State College’s impact on Nebraska’s economy is important, even though it is part of a smaller portion of the state.
“Wayne State is a regional powerhouse when it comes to the economy and workforce. The college takes a tremendous amount of pride in its stewardship of funds to ensure we deliver an excellent return on the funds we receive from the state and from our students,” Collier said.
Wayne State College has been operating for over 100 years and has been successful in bolstering Nebraska’s economy through its alumni, students and faculty.
