A recent economic impact analysis underscores Oklahoma State University’s significant contribution to the state’s financial well-being. According to a report released by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, the public university system contributed $14.61 billion to Oklahoma’s economy during fiscal year 2024, with OSU responsible for over $3.82 billion of that total. This impact supported approximately 26,872 jobs and generated $110.3 million in state and local tax revenue.
OSU President Jim Hess emphasized the institution’s role in driving economic advancement, innovation, and workforce development. He noted that for every dollar in state appropriations—totaling $231.4 million last year—the university produced $16.51 in economic output, a return nearly on par with the broader state higher education system.
The $3.82 billion in economic activity stemmed from multiple sources: $1.94 billion came from direct spending by the university, while $1.88 billion resulted from indirect ripple effects such as increased demand, job creation, and income generation across various industries. Additionally, OSU’s operations contributed more than $1.68 billion in wages statewide.
Provost Jeanette Mendez highlighted that the university not only educates future professionals but also strengthens rural communities and supports emerging industries. She pointed to OSU Polytech, launched in 2023, as a key initiative designed to fast-track students into high-demand careers in alignment with employer needs.
The report also spotlighted Oklahoma’s Promise, the state-funded scholarship program, which yielded $5.88 in economic output per dollar invested. OSU is a top destination for recipients of this scholarship, many of whom remain in Oklahoma after graduation to begin their careers.
Beyond financial metrics, the university’s influence extends into civic engagement and experiential learning. Students, faculty, and staff collectively contributed over 355,000 service hours and dedicated more than 3.7 million hours to hands-on learning activities.
Dr. Hess concluded by reaffirming OSU’s land-grant mission, stating that while economic returns are important, the institution’s most lasting impact lies in shaping lives and strengthening communities.
— news from Oklahoma State University
— News Original —
OSU generates over $3.82B impact in Oklahoma economy
Media Contact: Mack Burke | Associate Director of Media Relations | 405-744-5540 | mack.burke_iv@okstate.edu n nA new economic impact report highlights Oklahoma State University’s ongoing role as a powerful return on investment in public higher education. n nThe Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education recently released a report showing that the state system of higher education contributed $14.61 billion to Oklahoma’s economy in fiscal year 2024. OSU alone accounted for more than $3.82 billion of that impact, supporting nearly 27,000 jobs and producing $110.3 million in state and local tax revenue. n n“Oklahoma State University continues to deliver exceptional value to our state,” OSU President Jim Hess said. “This report highlights the vital role OSU plays in advancing economic growth, innovation and workforce development across Oklahoma.” n nAccording to the report, OSU and its constituent agencies received $231.4 million in state appropriations last year. For every dollar invested, the university generated $16.51 in total economic output, nearly matching the return seen across the broader state system. n nThat output stems from operational spending, student expenditures and the ongoing economic activity of alumni. Of the $3.82 billion total, $1.94 billion came from direct OSU spending and another $1.88 billion came from indirect impact such as increased demand, jobs and income across other industries. n nThe university’s presence supported 26,872 jobs and more than $1.68 billion in wages statewide. n n“This report affirms the role OSU plays as a key driver of economic development across Oklahoma,” OSU Provost Jeanette Mendez said. “We’re not only graduating students who stay and work in the state, we’re also strengthening rural communities, advancing research and attracting new industries.” n nThe broader report found that 93.7% of resident undergraduates from Oklahoma public colleges and universities were working in the state one year after graduation, along with 61.3% of non-resident graduates. At OSU, that workforce development mission includes expanding programs in teacher education, engineering, computer science, health care and applied technologies. n nOSU Polytech, launched in 2023, is one of several university-led initiatives aimed at fast-tracking students into high-demand careers while meeting the needs of Oklahoma employers. n nThe report also noted that Oklahoma’s Promise, the state’s premier scholarship program, generated $5.88 in economic output for every $1 invested. OSU is a leading destination for Oklahoma’s Promise recipients, many of whom remain in the state to launch their careers after graduation. n nWith more than 355,000 service hours contributed by students, faculty and staff, and over 3.7 million hours dedicated to experiential learning activities, OSU’s impact stretches beyond dollars and jobs. n n“We take pride in the economic return we generate, but our greatest impact lies in the lives we help shape and the communities we strengthen,” Dr. Hess said. “That is the enduring promise of OSU’s land-grant mission.”