Â鶹ąű¶ł´«Ă˝appÖ±˛Ą

Skip to main content
  • Growing Nebraska's Economy:

    HOW THE NU SYSTEM IMPACTS THE STATE

    read the report
  • Growing Nebraska's Economy:

    HOW THE NU SYSTEM IMPACTS THE STATE

    read the report
  • Growing Nebraska's Economy:

    HOW the NU System IMPACTS THE STATE

    read the report
  • Growing Nebraska's Economy:

    HOW THE NU SYSTEM IMPACTS THE STATE

    read the report

The University of Nebraska System: A $6.4 billion annual economic engine for the state

For over 150 years, the University of Nebraska has served the citizens of the state through high-quality, affordable education; research that improves quality of life; and engagement with citizens in every county. Thanks to its partnership with the state and support from the private sector, the university has been successful in fulfilling its responsibility to Nebraskans.

Today the University of Nebraska is in a strong position to help grow Nebraska for the future. The NU System’s four campuses are major economic drivers, providing over 11,000 graduates annually for the workforce, conducting and commercializing innovative research, delivering high-quality clinical care and leveraging partnerships to attract talent and create jobs. The university also contributes to a thriving arts and cultural community in Nebraska.

The university engaged Tripp Umbach, a leading national consultant, to conduct an independent analysis of the University of Nebraska’s impact on the state’s economic and social vitality. Tripp Umbach’s analysis demonstrates that the university’s impact is significant and far-reaching. The NU System’s academic activities have an annual impact of $6.4 billion on Nebraska’s economy, and the university supports over 52,000 jobs in the state.

In addition, 1 out of every 7 working-age Nebraskans has a University of Nebraska degree. The accumulated impact of former students grow the state’s earning power by nearly $3.5 billion annually. This puts Nebraskans in a stronger position to hold good jobs, support their families and contribute to their communities.

Beyond the data, the university touches virtually every Nebraskan. It may be through providing an opportunity for a first-generation student to earn a degree, providing care for a cancer patient, supporting an aspiring entrepreneur, or advancing agricultural productivity. The University of Nebraska plays a vital role in the state’s economic success and quality of life, helping Nebraska to be successful.

  • “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 workforce we educate and 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.”

    Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D.
    President, University of Nebraska System

  • “Ask any restaurant, hotel, or shop manager in Lincoln about the economic impact of the University of Nebraska, and they will tell you that the university makes a big difference to their bottom line.  Ask any major employer in the capital city – or our entire state – and they will testify to NU’s importance in cultivating the talent they need to support and grow their operations.  Investments in the University of Nebraska pay enormous dividends for us all.”

    Leirion Gaylor Baird
    Mayor, City of Lincoln

  • “This latest study shows the unparalleled role the University of Nebraska plays in cultivating our state’s prosperity. With so much focus across the state on population growth and primary job growth, we are fortunate to have a partner like the university to drive economic growth. Continued public investment in the university system is vital to our state’s long-term economic success and to building a greater Omaha that is more competitive for talent and business attraction.”

    Heath Mello
    President & CEO, Greater Omaha Chamber

  • “For any state to compete in the global economy, research and innovation has to be at the heart of its strategy for growth. The University of Nebraska system is the leading engine for innovation in Nebraska, bringing research dollars, federal investments, and most importantly, new faculty and families to Nebraska to do world-changing research. The economic impact of the University leads to new startups, opportunities for Nebraska families, and economic diversification that will sustain the state for generations to come."

    Jason Ball
    President & CEO, Lincoln Chamber of Commerce

  • “UNK is more than a university; it’s an economic engine for the Kearney area and Central Nebraska. UNK fuels our businesses, creates jobs and strengthens our local economy. A strong workforce starts with a strong university, and the Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce recognizes UNK as a key driver of our region’s economic and workforce success. As a Chamber, we are proud to collaborate with UNK to connect students with local businesses, ensuring a pipeline of talent that strengthens our community and fuels long-term economic growth.”

    Derek Rusher
    President & CEO, Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce

  • “UNK plays an invaluable role for our community, and for much of the central and western regions of our state. Having a state university anchored outside the urban core ensures that rural Nebraska students can train and prepare to fill jobs in our local communities. It is helpful to have a report that provides hard numbers on the economic impact of UNK, but our business and community leaders have always known that a strong, vibrant UNK is vitally important.”

    Jonathan Nikkila
    Mayor of Kearney

  • “The numbers speak for themselves. Since 2015, the University of Nebraska’s economic impact has grown by 64%, far outpacing the state’s overall economic growth of just 24%. What’s remarkable is that NU isn’t just keeping pace—it’s leading the way in job creation, workforce training, and innovation.”

    Paul Umbach, Ed.D.
    Founder, Tripp Umbach

  • "The University of Nebraska is one of the most powerful economic engines in our state. This report confirms that NU is delivering tremendous value for Nebraska taxpayers, generating jobs, attracting investment, and preparing students for success. As Regents, we are committed to ensuring the university continues to be a force for growth and opportunity for all Nebraskans."

    Paul Kenney
    Chair, University of Nebraska Board of Regents

  • "A strong higher education system is critical for Nebraska’s business community. The University of Nebraska fuels our workforce pipeline, fosters innovation, and supports job growth across every sector of our economy. This report underscores what Nebraska businesses have long known—continued investment in NU is an investment in a more competitive, prosperous future for our state."

    Bryan Slone
    CEO and President, Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry

  • "The University of Nebraska is an important partner and contributor to our state's status as an agricultural powerhouse. Its pioneering research, extensive extension services, and commitment to cultivating a skilled workforce are vital to the prosperity of Nebraska's ag economy.”

    Mark McHargue
    President, Nebraska Farm Bureau

  • “Agriculture is the backbone of Nebraska’s economy, and the University of Nebraska is core to our state’s agricultural innovation, ensuring our next generation is educated, providing cutting-edge research and extending that knowledge across the state. The University of Nebraska’s commitment to advancing technology, sustainability and workforce development ensures that Nebraska remains a leader in feeding the world. The partnership between the university and our agricultural community drives economic growth and secures a strong future for generations to come.”

    Chris Kalkowski
    President, Agricultural Builders of Nebraska

  • "The Nebraska Cattlemen are proud of our long-standing partnership with the University of Nebraska, which has been instrumental in making Nebraska one of the top beef-producing states in the nation. For generations, NU’s excellence in research and extension services has provided producers with the knowledge and innovation needed to keep Nebraska at the forefront of the industry. The university’s focus on preparing our next generation of beef industry leaders continually drives progress and strengthens Nebraska’s reputation as a leader in beef production."

    Laura Field
    Executive Vice President, Nebraska Cattlemen

2025 Economic Impact Report

This is the fourth time that the university has engaged Tripp Umbach, a leading national consultant with expertise in economic impact studies, to conduct an independent analysis of the University of Nebraska’s impact. Studies have been done every three years.

You can read the full report, the Board presentation, and a one-pager below.

10 to 1

The NU System returns $10 to Nebraska for every $1 invested

11,376

The NU System graduates over 11,000 students each year to fill Nebraska's workforce

1 in 7

The NU System provides a college degree to 1 in 7 working Nebraskans

COOKIE USAGE:

The University of Nebraska System uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By clicking "I Agree" and/or continuing to use this website without adjusting your browser settings, you accept the use of cookies.

PRIVACY SETTINGS