La Salle University plays a pivotal role beyond its academic mission, serving as a significant economic contributor and community partner in Philadelphia and throughout Pennsylvania. A recent study by Parker Strategy Group for the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania (AICUP) estimates the institution generates $273.9 million in annual economic impact across the state.
This figure stems from direct expenditures on operations, employee compensation, benefits, and capital projects, as well as spending by students and visitors in the surrounding region.
The university’s presence supports 2,227 jobs statewide, including on-campus faculty and staff roles, as well as indirect employment in sectors such as hospitality, retail, healthcare, and professional services that benefit from university-related activity. These positions contribute to neighborhood revitalization and support for local enterprises across the Philadelphia area.
Additionally, La Salle’s operations generate approximately $21.1 million in annual tax revenue for state and local governments. These funds, derived from sales, property, income, and corporate taxes, help finance public services that serve communities across Pennsylvania.
President Daniel J. Allen, Ph.D., emphasized the institution’s broader contributions: “La Salle’s impact goes far beyond our campus. By fueling more than $270 million in statewide economic activity and supporting thousands of jobs, we are proud to be a partner in Philadelphia’s and Pennsylvania’s growth and prosperity.”
Beyond economic metrics, the university is committed to civic engagement. As a member of the College Presidents for Civic Preparedness coalition, alongside over 120 institutions, La Salle prepares students not only for professional success but also for active citizenship—encouraging dialogue across differences, strengthening democratic values, and fostering community involvement.
In 2025, all first-year students received a copy of *Learning to Disagree: The Surprising Path to Navigating Differences with Empathy and Respect* by Dr. John Inazu, the Sally D. Danforth Distinguished Professor of Law and Religion at Washington University in St. Louis. Dr. Inazu, who delivered the keynote at the Academic Year Convocation, also led a faculty workshop on integrating constructive dialogue into classroom instruction.
The university is also developing a strategy to leverage resources from the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU) and the Constructive Dialogue Institute to expand programming that promotes pluralism and civic participation on campus.
These initiatives reflect La Salle’s dual mission: preparing graduates for economic success and equipping them to be engaged, responsible citizens. By supporting employment, generating tax revenue, and cultivating socially conscious alumni, the university extends its influence well beyond its physical campus at 20th and Olney.
“As an institution rooted in Philadelphia for more than 160 years, La Salle is committed to strengthening both our city and Commonwealth,” Allen stated. “Our students, faculty, and staff contribute daily to the vitality of our neighborhoods while preparing graduates who will lead with purpose and serve their communities.”
This combination of economic contribution and civic leadership solidifies La Salle’s status as one of the region’s most impactful institutions. “La Salle’s value is measured not only in dollars and jobs, but in the lives we shape,” Allen added. “We prepare graduates who will contribute to the economy and also to the civic and cultural life of Philadelphia, ensuring that our impact is felt across generations.”
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A powerful driver of economic and civic vitality
La Salle University is more than an academic destination and training ground for its students. It is an economic engine, a vital member of the community, and a contributor to Philadelphia and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s sustainable growth and well-being. n nAccording to a recent analysis conducted by Parker Strategy Group for the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania (AICUP), La Salle generates an estimated $273.9 million in annual economic impact across the Commonwealth. This impact comes from direct spending on operations, wages, benefits, and capital projects, as well as from student and visitor spending in the region. n nThe University’s presence sustains 2,227 jobs statewide—ranging from faculty and staff positions on campus to indirect jobs at restaurants, hotels, shops, accounting and business firms, and health care providers that support La Salle’s students and employees. These jobs ripple throughout the Philadelphia region, strengthening neighborhoods and local businesses. n nIn addition, La Salle’s activities generate an estimated $21.1 million annually in tax revenue for Pennsylvania and local governments. These funds, collected through sales, property, income, and corporate taxes, support public services that benefit residents across the state. n n“La Salle’s impact goes far beyond our campus,” President Daniel J. Allen, Ph.D., said. “By fueling more than $270 million in statewide economic activity and supporting thousands of jobs, we are proud to be a partner in Philadelphia’s and Pennsylvania’s growth and prosperity.” n nBut La Salle’s impact extends beyond just dollars and data. As a proud member of the College Presidents for Civic Preparedness coalition, alongside more than 120 other institutions, La Salle is preparing students not only for their careers, but also for citizenship—teaching them to engage across divides, strengthen democracy, and contribute to civic life. n nAs an extension of this commitment, the University provided all first-year students in 2025 with a copy of Learning to Disagree: The Surprising Path to Navigating Differences with Empathy and Respect. The author, Dr. John Inazu, the Sally D. Danforth Distinguished Professor of Law and Religion at Washington University in St. Louis, explores how individuals can engage meaningfully across deep divides without sacrificing our convictions or dehumanizing others. Dr. Ianzu was the keynote speaker at the annual Academic Year Convocation ceremony and led a workshop for faculty on implementing lessons of meaningful engagement in their classes. n nAdditionally, La Salle is creating a strategy for utilizing resources from the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU) and Constructive Dialogue Institute to implement programming and further enhance civic engagement and pluralism on campus. n nTogether, these efforts reflect how La Salle prepares graduates to thrive economically and to lead as engaged citizens—strengthening both Philadelphia and the broader Commonwealth. n n“As an institution rooted in Philadelphia for more than 160 years, La Salle is committed to strengthening both our city and Commonwealth,” Allen stated. “Our students, faculty, and staff contribute daily to the vitality of our neighborhoods while preparing graduates who will lead with purpose and serve their communities.” n nThis dual role—economic engine and civic leader—positions La Salle as one of Philadelphia’s most influential institutions. By fueling job growth, contributing tax revenues, and cultivating informed and engaged graduates, La Salle University ensures that its impact reaches well beyond the borders of its campus at 20th and Olney. n n“La Salle’s value is measured not only in dollars and jobs, but in the lives we shape,” Allen said. “We prepare graduates who will contribute to the economy and also to the civic and cultural life of Philadelphia, ensuring that our impact is felt across generations.”