UMass Dartmouth’s annual economic impact pegged at $466M

THE DONAHUE INSTITUTE at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth said the school contributes $466 million to the state economy and supports 2,255 jobs outside the campus.
THE DONAHUE INSTITUTE at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth said the school contributes $466 million to the state economy and supports 2,255 jobs outside the campus.

DARTMOUTH – The statewide annual economic impact of the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth is $466 million, including the creation of an additional 2,255 jobs beyond the campus – a nearly seven to one return on investment – according to a recent report published by the Donahue Institute, UMass’ economic research unit.

Interim Chancellor Peyton R. Helm called the study “a powerful catalyst for the economic advancement of this region and the commonwealth.”

He added: “The data demonstrates that a dollar invested in UMass Dartmouth generates a remarkable return on investment for individuals and communities.”

The study measured the impact last year of the university’s local operating expenditures, major construction projects, and the spending of campus faculty, staff and students.

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“UMass Dartmouth is a key economic driver in the commonwealth, directly or indirectly affecting every person in the state,’’ the study stated.

The study’s job creation highlights include:

  • Spending flows beyond the campus to a variety of suppliers of goods and services generating significant benefits for the state and regional economy, including the creation of 2,255 non-UMass jobs.
  • UMass Dartmouth spent $48 million on construction and related activity in 2015, generating 264 jobs. Projects include expansion of the School for Marine Science and Technology, Charlton College of Business, classrooms, teaching laboratories and learning spaces.
  • As of fall 2014, UMass Dartmouth employed 1,329 full- and part-time faculty and staff whose salaries and wages circulate throughout the regional economy.
  • The university’s 9,111 students spent a significant amount of money off-campus, investing in the economy of the local community.

The university’s research, teaching and community service enterprises also generate economic activity in the local community, including:

  • UMass Dartmouth students contribute more than $5 million of service to the community by providing 200,000-plus hours of activity. For instance, Charlton College of Business students assist individuals of modest means with their taxes, saving these individuals money that is then spent in the community.
  • Scientists at the School for Marine Science and Technology have helped sustain the fishing industry, allowing New Bedford to retain its position as the number one fishing port in the nation.
  • The UMass Dartmouth Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship is working with dozens of startup companies to incubate and grow their business. One of the recent “graduates” of the CIE is Aquatobix, which manufactures underwater remote controlled vehicles and has set up its headquarters in Fall River.
  • The UMass Dartmouth College of Visual and Performing Arts in downtown New Bedford, which has been a catalyst for the development of that city’s creative economy.
  • The UMass Dartmouth Public Policy Center is examining the impact of housing development, from subsidized to market rate, on communities.

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