The Economic Impact of the University of Washington
The University of Washington is a major driver of economic growth, creating prosperity and innovation in communities throughout Washington state.
The UW continues to be one of the best public investments Washington can make for its economy, its people and its future, providing world-renowned education and research programs at the Bothell, Seattle and Tacoma campuses, as well as across the state through UW Medicine and the WWAMI five-state medical education program.
Key findings
UW Economic Impact Study overview
In February 2024, the UW engaged Parker Strategy Group to measure the economic contribution of the University's operations across the state of Washington, in the Puget Sound region and throughout the United States. There are many ways to showcase the University’s impact; this analysis is one.
- Study period: Fiscal year 2023
- Data sources: The University of Washington, UW Medicine, UW Research
- Study geography: The Seattle-Tacoma-Bothell Metropolitan Statistical Area, the Puget Sound region, Washington state, and the United States
- Methodology: IMPLAN data and software; the IMPLAN database is built using ZIP code, county, state and federal economic data that are specialized by region — not estimated from national averages — to measure the impact of an organization’s economic activity
The UW’s economic impact includes the following elements:
- Capital expenditures, operational expenditures, salary and benefits, and state and regional business volumes
- The direct and indirect employment impacts of the University
- The local and state tax revenue impacts
- Additional impacts on the state economy, including alumni, athletics, charitable giving and volunteerism
Based on the study’s findings, for every $1 in state appropriations, the UW generates $28.46 in economic impact in Washington state’s economy.
From the president
“The University of Washington serves the people and communities throughout Washington in countless ways — creating opportunity for students, training vital health care providers and other professionals, and advancing research and innovation in partnership with communities and industry. As this report makes clear, the UW is making an impact that betters our state’s economy and the health and lives of everyone we serve, and we are proud to contribute to making Washington thrive.”
Ana Mari Cauce
President, University of Washington
From community leaders
“These numbers clearly demonstrate the University of Washington’s role as a powerhouse of innovation and economic growth for our state. By driving job creation, research breakthroughs and community development as well as educating tomorrow’s leaders, the UW delivers on its public mission for all Washingtonians. This incredible contribution underscores the vital role public research universities play in building a thriving, dynamic economy.”
“From driving next-generation scientific breakthroughs to providing expert medical care for patients to educating the workforce of tomorrow, the University of Washington’s tremendous impact has a positive ripple effect on the lives of people everywhere in Washington. This report demonstrates both the breadth and depth of impact the UW contributes to Washington state’s thriving innovation economy.”
“I am heartened to see how the UW continues to drive incredible impact and opportunity for all Washingtonians. The numbers in this report represent the stories of community members across our state who are touched by the UW’s great work, be it through the expert medical care they provide patients, the research and innovations they foster, or the educational opportunities they provide students.”
“I definitely see [the UW's] impact growing and expanding. They’ve built out and continue to build out their health system across the state, and they have great partnerships with dental and medical programs. Under Ana Mari Cauce’s tenure, there’s been a real desire for partnership and growth.”
“The University of Washington serves as a pillar of the Puget Sound region’s economy — by preparing our workforce for top jobs at globally competitive hometown companies; by providing a community for the brightest minds to research, innovate, and solve our most-pressing issues; and by elevating Seattle on the world’s stage — from national championship Husky football to “The Boys in the Boat.” We are beyond fortunate to have the UW call Seattle home.”
“A powerhouse of research and innovation, the UW is an asset that draws global interest and investment to our region. The UW attracts curious thinkers and talented innovators searching for bold solutions to the grand challenges of our time. In partnership with industry and government agencies, the UW is driving the pace of discovery and implementation to deliver incredible impact locally, across the state and around the globe.”