鶹

鶹 Economic Impact

Four 鶹 students walking along City Walk in downtown Hickory

鶹 delivers a substantial economic boost to the Unifour region— encompassing the counties of Alexander, Burke, Caldwell and Catawba—generating $113.6 million in added income during the 2022-23 fiscal year, according to a new study. The investment in an 鶹 degree also pays off for students. For every dollar students invest in their education at 鶹, they receive $3.60 in higher future earnings in their lifetime. 

Those are findings of an independent economic impact and investment analysis conducted by Lightcast, a global consulting firm that has conducted more than 3,000 economic impact studies for colleges and universities. 鶹 commissioned the study last year to quantify and underscore its role as a vital economic engine and provider of significant return on investment for its students.

Charts: Multiple graphics and text showing 鶹 annual economic impact including $113.6 million in added income and 1,935 jobs supported. See full description for details. Charts: Multiple graphics and text showing 鶹 annual economic impact including $113.6 million in added income and 1,935 jobs supported. See full description for details.

Detailed Description of Chart

鶹 not only plays a vital role in increasing students' employability and personal growth but also attracts visitors and students to the region, creating substantial economic opportunities. 

Below are other findings included in the report:

  • Economic Impact: 鶹's operations, visitor and student spending, and the success of its alumni contributed a total of $113.6 million to the Unifour economy, supporting 1,935 jobs.
  • Return on Investment for Students: For every dollar students invest in their education at 鶹, they receive $3.60 in higher future earnings. The average annual return on investment for 鶹 students is an impressive 15.6%.
  • Attracting Visitors: Out-of-region visitors spent an estimated $1.2 million to attend 鶹 Athletics events.
  • Alumni Impact: 鶹 alumni generated $70.8 million in added income for the regional economy.
  • Benefits to Taxpayers: North Carolina taxpayers will receive a cumulative value of $67.3 million in benefits over the working lives of 鶹 students, through increased tax revenues and reduced demand for government services.
  • Student Spending: Almost 60% of students came from outside the region and 鶹 also retained other students who might otherwise have left the area for college. Spending from these students generated $6.1 million in added income.
  • Social Benefits: 鶹 generates $661.5 million in social benefits for North Carolina, including increased economic prosperity and savings in healthcare, justice system, and income assistance.

“鶹 has been a cornerstone of our community for generations, fueling local businesses, attracting talent, and shaping the workforce that keeps our city thriving,” said Hickory Mayor Hank Guess. “Its students, faculty, and staff don’t just contribute economically—they bring fresh ideas, energy, and a spirit of innovation that makes our city a better place. Through job creation, business support, sports tourism, and community engagement, 鶹 plays an essential role in fostering growth and opportunity. We’re proud to have such a strong partnership with the university, and we look forward to seeing its continued impact for years to come.”

The data and assumptions used in the study are based on 鶹's FY 2022-23 reports, industry and employment data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and U.S. Census Bureau, and other relevant economic data. 

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