Bethany College Adds to Economy

LINDSBORG, KS — According to a new study, Bethany College generates $15.4 million in new income each year for its region’s economy. The overall added income created by Bethany College and its students supports 396 job equivalents in its service area and visitors attending various Bethany events spent $1.3 million in the region.

The Bethany College economic impact study is part of a larger study, “Demonstrating the Economic Value of the Kansas Independent Colleges and Universities,” that specifically analyzed the contributions to the Kansas economy by the private colleges that would not otherwise occur if the colleges did not exist. The Kansas Independent Colleges Association released its statewide report last month.

“Bethany has always taken great pride in its positive contributions to the community and region,” President Edward F. Leonard III says, “But I think people will be very surprised when they see the actual impact that is detailed in this report.” Not only does Bethany make a positive impact on the regional economy, but the report also shows that it is a good investment for its students. According to the report, Bethany students receive $2.40 in higher future income for every $1 invested in their education. Other highlights of the study include:

  • The net impact of college payroll and expenses in the Bethany service area was approximately $7.9 million in added regional income.
  • The off-campus spending of Bethany’s out-of-region students was nearly $300,000 in income to the economy.
  • The accumulated contribution of former Bethany students employed in the regional workforce amounted to nearly $6 million in added income during the analysis year.
  • Society as a whole in Kansas will receive a present value of $32.3 million in added state income over the course of the Bethany students’ working lives.

“Of course as enrollment continues to grow, which requires us to hire more faculty and staff, our economic impact will only grow substantially higher over the next few years,” President Leonard adds.

The report was commission by the Kansas Independent College Association (KICA) and the research was conducted by Economic Modeling Specialists International (EMSI). The statewide KICA report can be found at www.kscolleges.org/economic-impact.html.

Featured

  • Niles West High School Natatorium Renovation

    Natatoriums are highly specialized spaces, and luminaires in this setting face several unique challenges. Perhaps the most significant is corrosion, which is exacerbated by high indoor humidity, condensation, and pool chemicals, often resulting in material degradation in luminaires not certified to perform in corrosive environments.

  • Photo credit: Elkus Manfredi Architects

    University of Virginia Selects Design-Build Team for New Residential Complex

    The University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Va., recently announced that it has selected a design-build team for a new upper-class residential development on campus, according to a news release. Capstone Development Partners—in partnership with Elkus Manfredi Architects and the Hoar Construction/Hourigan construction team—will move forward with the three-building, 310,000-square-foot housing facility.

  • restroom sinks

    CSU Dominguez Hills Standardizes Plumbing to Improve Restroom Maintenance and Efficiency

    At California State University, Dominguez Hills, facilities leaders have taken steps to standardize restroom fixtures as part of a broader effort to improve maintenance efficiency and control long-term costs.

  • Round Rock ISD Completes New Early College High School

    Round Rock ISD near Austin, Texas, recently announced that construction is complete on a new, 46,500-square-foot campus for Early College High School, according to a news release. The new facility will allow the school’s students and staff to move from portables into a permanent building and increase its enrollment to 500.

Digital Edition