WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — Even though you may not work for the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point there is still a good chance your job or the job of someone close to you is impacted by the University’s presence.
That’s the result of a new economic impact study released by the school on Wednesday. Chancellor Bernie Patterson says it’s news everyone should be happy about.
“We are probably the number one driver in workforce development,” said Patterson. “It’s a contribution to the region that is critical.”
According to the study the University is responsible for over 6,000 jobs, including the 1,500 employees on the University payroll. “That helps develop the economic strength of our region, it’s important,” said Patterson.
The data also shows that over 90% of the graduates the University produces each year will work full-time in Wisconsin for at least three years, and each graduating class accounts for $40 million in spending themselves.
The study credits UWSP with generating over $671 million for the region, including $35 million from the Marshfield campus and $50 million in Wausau.
The study took into account everything from taxes paid by University employees to the amount of money students spend during their time on campus. Revenue from visitors was also a factor, which covers everything from vendors doing business on campus to sporting events and parents visiting their children.