Published January 19, 2019
A recent study found the University of Louisiana Monroe contributed $566.8 million
to the Northeast Louisiana* economy in Fiscal Year 2017-2018.
Conducted for ULM by Economic Modeling Specialists International (EMSI), the compelling
study shows how the university is unmatched in its positive impact to the students,
the region and the state. The university supports a variety of businesses and it benefits
society as an economic driver, among other contributions.
“The fabric of Northeast Louisiana is woven through with the economic fiber created
by the university,” said President Dr. Nick J. Bruno. “It would be difficult to imagine
the Northeast Louisiana economy without the almost 1,000 employees and 10,000 students
who live here and spend money here.”
ULM supports more than 10,000 jobs, and one out of every 18 jobs in Northeast Louisiana
is supported by the activities of the university and the students, according to the
study.
The study includes an investment analysis evaluating benefits to students, taxpayers
and society. For every dollar students invest in a university education, they will
see a return of $4.60 per dollar in lifetime earnings. Taxpayers will gain $7.10 in
added tax revenue and public sector savings. Finally, society gains $13.90 in added
state revenue and social savings.
Those with a bachelor’s degree from ULM will see an average increase in earnings of
$19,400 each year over someone with only a high school diploma working in Louisiana,
“It is easy to think of ULM as ‘those buildings over there,’” said Bruno. “I ask
you to really think about who are in those buildings – thousands of students, faculty
and staff. According to this study, the daily spending of those people amounts to
over $25 million in added income to the region.”
“ULM benefits Northeast Louisiana in so many ways that people either don’t know about
or they don’t consider, especially economically,” Bruno said. “For example, the alumni
generate another $427 million in added income to the region.”
The study confirmed that ULM benefits Northeast Louisiana with increased economic
prosperity and improved lifestyles, including reduced dependence on government services,
less crime and improved health.
On the topic of health care and the economy, construction is underway now on the ULM
campus for the anticipated Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM). The
medical school will accept its first class of med students in 2020 and expects a graduating
class in 2024. The predicted economic impact from VCOM is $60-$70 million annually.
Having a medical school at ULM will lead to more students enrolling in the pre-med
sciences. These and other courses must be maintained and grow in order to meet the
needs of pre-med students.
*Northeast Louisiana consists of Caldwell, East Carroll, Franklin, Jackson, Lincoln,
Morehouse, Ouachita, Richland, Tensas, Union and West Carroll parishes.
