New Report Shows Major Boost from Pitt to Pennsylvania Economy, Communities

From classrooms and community centers to clinical labs and small business workshops, the University of Pittsburgh’s students, faculty and staff make a significant impact throughout Pennsylvania.

The newly released 2018 Economic Impact Report highlights how Pitt’s $4.2 billion annual total economic impact drives innovation, draws talent and shapes careers and anchors communities across the state.

“As an economic engine, the University of Pittsburgh directly benefits the commonwealth, its students and their families, and our future,” said Chancellor Patrick Gallagher. “But our impact extends beyond dollars — and includes leveraging research, innovation and academic excellence for society’s gain.”

The report shows that the University’s benefits extend beyond education and research into deep investments in community engagement, health and well-being, from the urban neighborhood of the Pittsburgh campus to the rural communities surrounding its regional campuses.

Pitt’s presence also stabilizes and strengthens the state and local tax base, generating more than $180 million in state and local revenue:

• Pittsburgh campus: $171.9 million
• Pitt–Johnstown: $6.9 million
• Pitt–Greensburg: $3.8 million
• Pitt–Bradford: $3.4 million
• Pitt–Titusville: $946,269
• Child Welfare Resource Center-Mechanicsburg: $1.4 million

Pitt also benefits the state workforce by supporting 38,000 Pennsylvania jobs, both in direct employment as well as the $1.7 billion the University and its faculty, staff, students and visitors spend on Pennsylvania businesses. In turn, this support generates critical revenues for regional businesses and their employees that inject an additional $2.5 billion into Pennsylvania’s economy, the report shows.

Pitt alumni who remain in the commonwealth over the course of their careers pump roughly $114 billion into the state’s economy throughout their careers.

In addition, the University’s faculty, staff and students have invested more than $73.1 million in charitable donations and volunteering to Pennsylvania communities each year.

“People might not think about this: Every time a student, faculty or staff member shops in a small business or takes their family to a Pirates game, it’s a benefit for Pennsylvania’s economy,” said Kristen de Paor, director of economic partnerships at Pitt. “These benefits are only made stronger by Pitt’s crucial partnership with the Commonwealth.”

The Economic Impact Report comes as state lawmakers continue to formulate a budget for Fiscal Year 2019-20. Gov. Tom Wolf has proposed flat-funding for Pitt and other state-related universities in Pennsylvania. Pitt is seeking a 6.5 percent state funding increase to continue to serve as a magnet for high-achieving Pennsylvania students, provide a world-class and affordable education opportunity, drive economic growth and build stronger communities throughout Pennsylvania.