SCSU’s economic contribution is $686.5 million

St. Cloud State’s annual contribution to the economy is $686.5 million and the University supports and sustains 5,515 jobs, according to a study.

“Providing students with a high quality education that prepares them for future success is our primary mission,” said President Robbyn Wacker. ”But St. Cloud State plays a critical role in contributing to our regional economy. Our daily operations, employees, students, alumni and guests impact almost every sector of economic life.”

Annual community contributions by St. Cloud State employees, through charitable giving and volunteerism, are valued at $45.8 million.

Commissioned by Minnesota State and conducted by Pennsylvania-based consulting firm Parker Philips, the study said St. Cloud State annually generates about $38.5 million in tax revenues for state and local government. That total includes sales, property, personal-income and corporate-income taxes.

For every $1 in state appropriation, the Minnesota State system generates nearly $12 in economic activity, according to the study.

The Minnesota State system’s seven universities and 30 colleges annually contribute more than $8 billion and support and sustain 67,717 jobs, according to the study.

“This study quantifies our impact and explains the value proposition for supporting St. Cloud State and the colleges and universities in the Minnesota State system,” said Wacker.

The study considered St. Cloud State’s direct spending on operations, pay, benefits and capital projects, and estimated the increase in demand for goods and services in industry sectors that supply and support the University.

Researchers measured the effect of student spending and the induced effect of increased household income.

According to the study, St. Cloud State supports and sustains 5,515 jobs.

That figure includes indirect and induced jobs created by supply and equipment vendors, contractors and laborers for the construction and renovation of facilities, and jobs created at hotels, restaurants and retail stores in support of employees, students and visitors.

Among the data used were operating expenditures from the period July 1, 2016-June 30, 2017, capital expenditures averaged over 10 years, pay and benefits by employee type, and number and types of students, including resident and out-of-state students.