Impact Study
Using institution-supplied 2025-26 operating data and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis RIMS II framework for West Virginia, the model estimates approximately $391.9 million in total statewide economic impact.
That total estimated impact consists of about $244.6 million in direct economic activity, $55.8 million in estimated indirect supplier activity, and $91.5 million in estimated induced spending activity.
The same activity is associated with approximately $147.4 million in labor earnings, 3,013 jobs supported statewide, and $251 million in value added.
The six institutions directly report 1,427 employees, approximately $72.1 million in annual payroll, $150.2 million in combined 2025-26 operating budgets, and $37.6 million in capital improvement spending. Their combined Fall 2025 headcount is 6,458 students.
The institutions also report 1,850 graduates in 2024-25 and 22,941 alumni currently living in West Virginia, demonstrating an economic and workforce footprint that continues well beyond annual institutional spending.