According to The Economic Impact of TICUA Institutions, prepared by Regional Economic Consulting Group (REC), TWU generated $220 million in total economic activity, supported 1,311 jobs, and contributed $9 million in state and local tax revenue over the course of one school year. These findings illustrate the important role the institution plays as an economic and workforce partner in Athens and across Tennessee.

     The full report measures the broader economic contributions of Tennessee’s independent colleges and universities, including institutional operations, student spending and economic activity generated by alumni, demonstrating that the value of these institutions extends beyond the classroom.

     Collectively, Tennessee’s private colleges and universities generate more than $22 billion in economic activity each year, support 135,490 jobs, and provide nearly $6.8 billion in income across the state. The study also found that, despite being self-funded and tax-exempt, the economic activity generated by these institutions contributes over $695 million in state and local sales and property taxes, further quantifying the public benefit of our private institution partners.

     “Independent colleges and universities are deeply woven into the economic fabric of Tennessee,” said TICUA president Dr. Cameron Conn. “Every day, these institutions educate and prepare Tennesseans for the workforce, employ people in communities across the state and generate economic activity that reaches far beyond their campuses. This report puts numbers behind that impact and demonstrates that Tennessee’s independent institutions are proven partners, delivering powerful returns for students, communities and the state.”

     To learn more about the economic impact of Tennessee Wesleyan and Tennessee’s independent colleges and universities, visit www.TICUA.org/Impact