The following is an excerpt from a story that appeared on NPR Illinois' website on Sept. 1, 2022.
A nationally known research firm issued the report. Among the findings, UIS added $694.2 million in income to the Illinois economy in Fiscal Year 2021. UIS also supported 6,909 jobs
The university employed 1,048 full and part-time faculty and staff. Payroll totaled $87.3 million, with much of that money spent locally. The university spent another $30 million on day-to-day expenses related to facilities, supplies and professional services. The net impact of the university’s operations spending added $107.3 million in income to the state economy in FY21.
“UIS is an economic engine that fuels continued prosperity,” said UIS Chancellor Janet L. Gooch. “This study shows the tremendous value of our university to students, to taxpayers, and to the entire region and beyond.”
Approximately 23 percent of students attending UIS originated from outside the state. Some of these students relocated to Sangamon County to attend the university. In addition, some in-state students, referred to as retained students, would have left Illinois for other educational opportunities if not for UIS. These relocated and retained students spent $10.7 million in added income that would have not been generated without the university.