Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

Bethany College Adds to Economy

  • 09/11/14

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

  • University of Rochester to Break Ground on New Student Life Center

    The University of Rochester in Rochester, N.Y., recently began construction on a new Student Life building, according to a news release. The first floor will contain campus-wide gathering, program, and rehearsal space; the second floor will play home to the Greenbaum Center for Jewish Life.

  • University of Washington Opens New Broadcast Studio

    The University of Washington in Seattle, Wash., recently announced the opening of Sundodger Studios, a new broadcast, production, and content facility, according to a news release. The university partnered with Anthony James Partners for the design and development of the studio, which will host about 100 live broadcasts and 120 live videoboard shows per year.

  • UNH Marks Construction Milestone on Oceanic Exploration Facility

    The University of New Hampshire in Durham, N.H., recently celebrated a major construction milestone with a beam-signing ceremony for the new Center of Excellence for Operational Ocean and Great Lakes Mapping, according to a news release. The facility’s ultimate goal is to support research, training and technical assistance in ocean mapping.

  • UT-San Antonio Begins Residence Hall Renovations

    The University of Texas at San Antonio recently began a $6-million renovation project to one of its residence halls, according to a news release. Originally completed in 1986, Chisolm Hall measures in at 120,860 square feet and is the oldest and largest residence hall on campus.