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Wilkes University Contributes Over $250 Million to Pennsylvania Economy

Wilkes-Barre, PA (10/02/2019) — Wilkes University produced over 2,300 jobs and $250 million in economic impact in 2018 according to a study conducted by the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania (AICUP).

The study considered the University's direct spending on operations, wages and benefits, and capital projects. It also measured the effect of student and visitor spending and the induced effect of increased household income.

"This study just confirms that Wilkes University is a force for good in our region and throughout the Commonwealth. Supporting our community is a critical component of the University's strategic plan. We are pleased to continue this progress and grow our economic impact year over year," said interim President Paul S. Adams.

In addition, Wilkes provides a variety of services to the community in economic, social and cultural development. This includes the exhibitions at the Sordoni Art Gallery, services provided by centers supported by Wilkes including the Small Business Development Center and the Allan P. Kirby Center for Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, and free lectures and events hosted at the university each year.

The figures do not include the contributions of over 25,000 University alumni living or working throughout Pennsylvania.

Including Wilkes, the ten independent colleges and universities in the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton region created an overall total economic impact of nearly $1.3 billion. Combined, those institutions also supported and sustained over 11,500 jobs. Those institutions include Clarks Summit University, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Johnson College, Keystone College, King's College, Lackawanna College, Marywood University, Misericordia University and the University of Scranton.

AICUP worked with Parker Philips, Inc., a nationally recognized consulting firm specializing in economic impact analysis. According the report, the over 90 independent non-profit schools in the Commonwealth create or sustain almost 200,000 jobs in Pennsylvania every year, in addition to generating an annual economic impact of $24 billion for the State's economy.

About AICUPThe Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania (AICUP), the only statewide organization that serves exclusively the interests of private higher education within the Commonwealth, exists to complement and support the work of campus leaders. With a membership of 92 private colleges and universities within Pennsylvania, the Association provides a variety of services and programs tailored specifically to the needs and situation of independent higher education. For a complete list of AICUP's member colleges and universities, visit www.aicup.org.

About Wilkes University

Wilkes University is a private, independent, non-sectarian institution of higher education dedicated to academic and intellectual excellence through mentoring in the liberal arts, sciences and professional programs. Founded in 1933, Wilkes is on a mission to create one of the nation's finest doctoral universities, offering all of the programs, activities and opportunities of a large university in the intimate, caring and mentoring environment of a small college, open to all who show promise. The Economist named Wilkes 25th in the nation for the value of its education for graduates. In addition to 46 majors, Wilkes offers 24 master's degree programs and five doctoral/terminal degree programs, including the doctor of philosophy in nursing, doctor of nursing practice, doctor of education, doctor of pharmacy, and master of fine arts in creative writing. Learn more at www.wilkes.edu.

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