A study into the economic impact of Northern Arizona University shows that it contributes nearly $2bn to the state's economy each year.
An economic impact survey conducted by the Arizona Rural Policy Institute has found that Northern Arizona University (NAU) contributes nearly $2bn to Arizona’s economy each year.
The Arizona Rural Policy Institute is a unit of Northern Arizona University’s Alliance Bank Outreach Center.
The study identified $1.85bn of activity in the state’s economy is due to the existence of the university. The study looked at funding that can be directly linked to the university such as that spend on operations by the university, student and visitor spending and alumni spending.
The university is responsible for 22,300 jobs in Arizona and serves 27,000 students.
Jeff Peterson, research associate in the W.A. Franke College of Business and lead author of the report, said: “The economic well-being of the residents of Flagstaff and other communities throughout Arizona is enhanced by the purchases of goods and services and the jobs created as a result of the daily activities on NAU’s campuses.”
John Stigmon, vice-president of the Economic Development Collaborative of Northern Arizona, said: “One of the critical elements for our community is the support of Northern Arizona University because having the right talent in a community is what draws capital for economic development.”
