Iowa State's $5 Billion Impact

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Students researching at ISU

Students assist with a research project at the Nanovaccine Institute. Image by Christopher Gannon

Did You Know?

Iowa State delivers a $5 billion impact to the state economy through its support of the workforce, the creation of startup and spinoff businesses, and an increase in lifetime earnings for graduates with a bachelor’s degree. Alongside the economic impact, Iowa State provides a significant return on investment for students and taxpayers.

Students earning a bachelor’s degree leave Iowa State prepared and will earn $23,600 more each year than someone with a high school diploma working in Iowa. Taxpayers receive $1.90 in return for every dollar of public money invested in ISU over students’ time in the workforce. 

57,142

Jobs supported, or one out of every 36 jobs in Iowa.

$1.7 Billion

Added to Iowa’s economy from startup and spinoff companies.

$1.1 Million

In higher earnings over the course of the working lifetime of a student who earns a bachelor’s degree.

2.4%

Of Iowa’s gross state product represented — an impact nearly as large as the entire utilities industry in the state.