Economic Impact of the UW on Wisconsin

From creating thousands of jobs (which, in turn, create tax revenue), to educating the population and breeding successful entrepreneurs, the economic impact of the UW on Wisconsin is truly immeasurable. Our changing economic times require advancement in the knowledge industry, and universities are at the center of that movement.

Contributions to Wisconsin

  • The business school’s Executive education program is ranked #1 in the world for “value for the money” by the Financial Times of London.This means Wisconsin's executives can get a world-class education at an exceptional price. This program improves the work of executives in Wisconsin, making them more productive contributors to the state’s economy. 1
  • The UW’s operating budget is more than $2 billion; much of this money gets spent in-state.2
  • UW-Madison’s total statewide economic impact for 2003 was $4.66 billion, or 2.7 percent of Wisconsin’s gross state product.3
  • University Research Park in Madison supports more than 3,500 jobs and has an annual payroll of $260 million.4
  • The Office of Corporate Relations at UW-Madison set up the New Business Start-Up Initiative online to help business around the state get underway and foster their growth and development, contributing greatly to Wisconsin’s economy.5
  • UW sports and cultural event visitors spend over $726 million in the state annually.
  • The UW System produced over 24,000 professional graduates in 2008-2009 to join the Wisconsin workforce. 6
  • A UW graduate will likely earn $1 million more in their lifetime than a high school graduate. This number doubles for doctoral or professional graduates.7