WDTN: New economic impact study finds Wright State adds billions to local economy

WDTN 5/12/2023

Wright State University adds $2.3 billion annually to the region’s economy and supports nearly 28,000 jobs through its operational and research expenditures, a new economic impact study found.

Wright State supplies a steady flow of qualified, trained workers to the workforce, and improves the quality of life in Ohio, with nearly 90% of graduates remaining in Ohio, the highest of any public institution in the state.

“The university plays a key role in helping students increase their employability and achieve their individual potential,” the report said. “The university facilitates new research developments and draws visitors and students to the region, generating new dollars and opportunities for Raider Country. Wright State provides students with the education, training and skills they need to have fulfilling and prosperous careers. Its student and employee volunteers support the regional economy through the output and employment generated by regional businesses and organizations.”

The report said that Wright State’s total impact equals about 1.9% of the gross regional product of Raider Country and is twice as much as the region’s entire utility industry.

Wright State supports one out of every 42 jobs in Raider Country, the 16 counties in western Ohio anchored by Wright State’s Dayton and Lake campuses: Greene, Mercer, Allen, Auglaize, Butler, Champaign, Clark, Clinton, Darke, Logan, Miami, Montgomery, Preble, Shelby, Van Wert and Warren counties.

Read the full report, “The Economic Value of Wright State University” (PDF).