Study finds Muhlenberg College contributes $149m to statewide economic impact
The Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania (AICUP) found that Muhlenberg’s economic impact, through student spending, employee payroll, visitor spending, construction and institutional expenditures, totaled $149,068,972 in 2014.
Wednesday, April 6, 2016 04:29 PM
In the Lehigh Valley, independent colleges and universities produced 5,350 jobs and had a total economic impact of $1.2 billion in 2014. In addition to Muhlenberg, Lehigh Valley independent colleges and universities include Albright College, Alvernia University, Cedar Crest College, DeSales University, Lafayette College, Lehigh University and Moravian College.
"All of us at Muhlenberg College are proud of the positive impact we have on our surrounding communities, including the tremendous economic impact cited here," says John Williams, President of Muhlenberg College. "We are also proud of the many other ways in which our students, faculty and staff have substantial and enduring impact on our neighboring communities as a result of our personal engagement."
AICUP found that independent colleges in Pennsylvania enroll approximately 290,000 students, representing 42% of the state total; produce 49% of the total degrees and receive just 11% of state funding for higher education. Independent colleges represent the fourth-largest employment sector in the state, according to the 2012 County Business Patterns report, U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census.
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Muhlenberg College - Estimated Economic Impact on Pennsylvania, 2014 |
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State residents employed by institution (not including student workers): |
715 |
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Additional statewide employment attributable to institution-related economic activity: |
652 |
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TOTAL statewide employment attributable to institution: |
1,367 |
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Benefit to Pennsylvania state budget from payroll taxes:
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$1,082,454 |
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Benefit to local government budgets from payroll taxes:
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$504,666 |
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Statewide Economic Impact |
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Student Spending Impact: |
$4,122,107 |
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Institutional Expenditures Impact: |
$58,790,424 |
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Visitor Spending Impact: |
$1,595,028 |
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Construction Impact: |
$8,997,396 |
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Employee Payroll Impact: |
$40,651,474 |
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Indirect and Induced Impact: |
$34,912,543 |
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TOTAL Statewide Economic Impact: |
$149,068,972 |
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2014 Muhlenberg College AICUP Economic Impact Results; |
The Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania (AICUP), the only statewide organization that serves exclusively the interests of private higher education within the Commonwealth, exists to complement and support the work of campus leaders. With a membership of 88 private colleges and universities within Pennsylvania, the Association provides a variety of services and programs tailored specifically to the needs and situation of independent higher education.
Founded in 1848, Muhlenberg is a highly selective, private, four-year residential college located in Allentown, Pa., approximately 90 miles west of New York City. With an undergraduate enrollment of approximately 2200 students, Muhlenberg College is dedicated to shaping creative, compassionate, collaborative leaders through rigorous academic programs in the arts, sciences, business, education and public health. A member of the Centennial Conference, Muhlenberg competes in 22 varsity sports. Muhlenberg is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
