Nebraska’s flagship university plays a vital role in the Cornhusker State’s economic prosperity. Recent findings from a new economic development report announced Feb. 11 outline how significant the University of Nebraska–Lincoln is to the state. Here are some key takeaways from the report, which was compiled by Tripp Umbach, a national consulting firm.
$3.1 billion impact
- UNL contributes an impressive $3.1 billion annually to Nebraska’s economy ($1 billion in direct and $2.1 billion in indirect and induced impacts).
- This marks a $200 million increase since 2021, reinforcing UNL’s critical role in the state’s economic success.
The University of Nebraska–Lincoln remains a leading force in influencing the economic development of our state. Through education, research and engagement we are fostering growth, creating jobs and contributing to the long-term economic stability of Nebraska.
25,000-plus jobs
- UNL plays a direct role in providing jobs, supporting 25,121 positions in communities statewide, significantly bolstering Nebraska’s workforce stability.
- Broken down, UNL operations in fiscal year 2024 supported 15,530 direct and 9,591 indirect/induced jobs across Nebraska.
$84 million in tax revenue
- UNL operations in Nebraska in fiscal year 2024 generated $84 million in state and local tax revenue, helping to fund essential services and programs for all Huskers.
Power of the flagship
- The $3.1 billion in impact by UNL represents nearly half of the University of Nebraska system’s 2024 economic footprint. Totals in job opportunities and tax revenue follow the trend, reinforcing UNL’s central role in the overall economic health of Nebraska.
- Husker Athletics generated an estimated $459.3 million in economic impact in 2024, supporting 3,266 jobs. It also generated $12.6 million in tax revenue.
- Nebraska Extension’s economic impact was $132 million in 2024, supporting 1,848 jobs and contributing $84 million in state and local tax revenue.
- Totals from NU system — which include contributions from the University of Nebraska Medical Center, University of Nebraska at Omaha, University of Nebraska at Kearney, Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture, and the NU president’s office — are $6.4 billion in economic impact, 52,335 jobs, and $175 million in state tax impact.
Systemwide numbers
- One in seven working-age Nebraskans hold a degree from the NU system.
- NU alumni generate $3.5 billion in additional earnings annually.
- One in every 20 jobs in Nebraska is directly or indirectly supported by the University of Nebraska.
- NU students, faculty and staff contribute more than $38 million in charitable donations and $76 million in volunteer service annually.
The University of Nebraska is one of the most important investments we can make in the future of our state. From the jobs we create to the future workforce we educate to the research we produce, our university is helping move Nebraska forward in meaningful ways. For every $1 the state invests in the University of Nebraska, we generate $10 in economic activity — an extraordinary return on investment.
Growth trends
- UNL experienced tremendous growth in sponsored research awards in 2023, totaling an all-time high of $194 million (up 12% over 2022). Continued growth is expected when 2024 totals are reported.
- Together, research colleagues at UNL, UNMC and UNO rank among the top 75 universities worldwide for earning U.S. patents, as outlined by the National Academy of Inventors.
- A growing number of UNL researchers are counted on the annual list of the world’s most influential scientists.
- Forbes recently ranked UNL as Nebraska’s No. 4 best workplace, up three spots from No. 7 in 2023.
Chancellor Rodney Bennett and Dr. Jeffrey P. Gold, president of the NU system, spoke about the university's impact on Nebraskans.
"The University of Nebraska–Lincoln remains a leading force in influencing the economic development of our state," Bennett said. "Through education, research and engagement we are fostering growth, creating jobs and contributing to the long-term economic stability of Nebraska."
Gold praised the university as, "one of the most important investments" to be made in the future of the state.
“From the jobs we create to the future workforce we educate to the research we produce, our university is helping move Nebraska forward in meaningful ways," Gold said. "For every $1 the state invests in the University of Nebraska, we generate $10 in economic activity — an extraordinary return on investment.”
For more information on the university’s economic impact or to review the full report from Tripp Umbach, click here.
