Economic Impact of the University of Illinois Springfield

UIS creates a significant positive impact on the state and area economy and generates a return on investment to its major stakeholder groups—students, taxpayers and society.

Using a two-pronged approach that involves an economic impact analysis and an investment analysis, a study conducted by Lightcast (formerly EMSI), a nationally known research firm specializing in economic impact studies for colleges and universities, calculated that:

UIS annual impact graphic showing $943.2 million added income or 9,093 jobs supported.

UIS added $943.2 million in income to the Illinois economy in fiscal year 2023. The university’s impact supports 9,093 jobs.

July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023

Students who invest in a UIS education will see a return of $5.70 in higher earnings for every $1 invested in their education. Their average annual rate of return is $24%.

Overall, UIS creates value by increasing consumer spending in the state and supplying a steady flow of qualified, trained workers to the workforce. UIS enriches the lives of students by raising their lifetime earnings and helping them achieve their individual potential. The university benefits state and local taxpayers through increased tax receipts and a reduced demand for government-supported social services. Finally, UIS benefits society as a whole in Illinois by creating a more prosperous economy and generating a variety of savings through the improved lifestyles of students.

Investment Analysis

For every $1...

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Students gain $5.70 in lifetime earnings

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Taxpayers gain $3.50 in added tax revenue and public sector savings

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Society gains $9.90 in added income and social savings

Average earnings by education level at career midpoint

A student with a bachelor’s degree from UIS earns about $33,900 more each year than a person with a high school diploma or equivalent working in Illinois. Over a lifetime of work, that adds up to about $1.3 million more in total earnings per graduate.

Chart comparing average annual earnings by education level; details in caption.
High School $38,900; Associate $47,300; Bachelor's $72,800; Master's $93,200; Doctorate $113,600

Economic Impact Reports

Economic value of the University of Illinois Springfield

UIS Economic Impact Infographic FY23

Find information about the Economic Impact of the University of Illinois System.