Wheeling Jesuit University has a national reputation for its top-ranked academic programs, and for its culture of service with and among others in the community. Now, the results of a new study reveal the University’s total annual economic impact of $216.4 million, and 1,307 jobs in Ohio and Marshall counties.

The results are part of a new study led by West Virginia Independent Colleges & Universities, Inc. (WVICU), in conjunction with its nine member colleges and universities and the Bureau of Business and Economic Research at West Virginia University.

“Our multi-million dollar impact on the local economy is a manifestation of the importance I place on our partnership with the people and industry of the region,” says Rev. Joseph R. Hacala, S.J., President of Wheeling Jesuit University. “From our founding, Wheeling Jesuit University sought to insert itself into the lives and struggle of Wheeling and the Upper Ohio Valley. In addition to the economic impact, our faculty staff, and students often serve as volunteer in community-based and faith-based organizations.”

The WVICU recently conducted the economic impact study to quantify the financial benefits private higher education produces within the state. Significant findings include a direct economic impact of $345 million in business volume and a total of 6,258 jobs created throughout West Virginia.

“The numbers are very impressive and demonstrate the significant economic impact our private colleges and universities have on West Virginia, in general, and on their local communities,” states Dr. Paul B. Chewning, president of WVICU. “In addition, each of our member institutions provides community enrichment through academic, cultural, recreational, and athletic programs.”

WVICU, a consortium of the nine private colleges and universities, includes Alderson-Broaddus College in Philippi, Appalachian Bible College in Bradley, Bethany College in Bethany,
Davis & Elkins College in Elkins, Mountain State University in Beckley, Ohio Valley University in Vienna, the University of Charleston in Charleston, West Virginia Wesleyan College in Buckhannon, and Wheeling Jesuit University in Wheeling.
The study measured several kinds of economic contributions within these communities, including direct, indirect and induced impacts. In addition to business volume and total number of jobs, the study calculated an economic output of over $308 million, employee compensation of $121 million, and state tax revenue of $7 million. Factored into these figures were student tuition and fees, income associated with students residing both on-campus and off-campus, and revenue generated from all individuals and businesses associated with the daily life of students.

In the major categories explored, the study determined Wheeling Jesuit University’s impact consisted of: business volume of $80.7 million; employment of 1,307; employee compensation of $27.2 million; value added of $34.3 million; output of $72.7 million and state tax revenue of $1.5 million.

Collectively, the nine institutions that comprise the WVICU enroll over 11,500 students annually. Approximately 60 percent of all students at WVICU member institutions are West Virginia residents and 40 percent are first generation college students. Nearly 90 percent receive financial assistance and almost half qualify under federal guidelines as being “financially in need.”

Academic programs offered by WVICU institutions range from two year programs to baccalaureate and masters programs.

“These estimates are very conservative and do not include the economic contributions of graduates of these institutions who decide to reside in West Virginia,” says Dr. Tom S. Witt, director of the West Virginia University Bureau of Business and Economic Research and co-author of the study.

Witt adds, “If one considers the role these institutions play in enhancing the human capital within the state, then the economic impacts would be considerably higher.”

Although the primary purpose of the study was to better understand the impact of West Virginia’s nine private colleges and universities on the state’s economy, the qualitative findings may be more significant and noteworthy. For instance, private colleges and universities provide a wealth of athletic, cultural, and social activities that directly influence the overall vitality of their respective regions, even though the full impact of such intangible benefits is difficult to quantify. Other benefits provided to communities by the independent, not-for-profit colleges and universities include: the attractiveness of an area to businesses because of the local college or university; entrepreneurial startups owned and operated by faculty, staff, students, or alumni; hotel, restaurant, and gift shop business generated by visitors to the colleges; faculty, staff, and student funds deposited in local financial institutions; spending in the local communities by alumni and friends returning for special events such as homecomings and reunions; the relocation of alumni back to the region upon retirement; participation by students, faculty, and staff in faith-based and service organizations; and, health care benefits provided to faculty, staff, and even students.

The study concludes that the increased human capital provided by private colleges and universities to the state and their local communities likely constitutes their most important long-term economic benefit. All colleges have their own stories to tell and examples to give.

For instance: Wheeling Jesuit University graduate Dr. William “Bill” Eppich, originally from Cleveland, Ohio, accepted a job offer in southern West Virginia upon graduation. Today, he still resides in Logan, W. Va., runs the physical therapy clinic at Logan Regional Medical Center, and has recently hired two other WJU graduates to work with him.

In addition to the on-going work of current students and alumni, Wheeling Jesuit also houses the National Technology Transfer Center and the Center for Educational Technologies on-campus. NTTC provides a great number of resources including, but not limited to, seasonal healthy living tips to risk prevention tips to homeland security advice to summer science workshops for teachers.

Data used in the study include audited financial statements for fiscal year 2004 and extensive financial and demographic questionnaires submitted by each WVICU member institution. These data capture spending patterns of students, faculty, staff, visitors, and the institutions themselves and analyze them using statistical models generated specifically to measure the economic impact of non-profit organizations on their communities and regions. It is quite probable, given the conservative nature of these statistical models, that the true economic impact is actually higher in all categories and regions.

Serving independent higher education since 1951, WVICU offers collaborative programming, research opportunities, and fundraising support for independent, not-for-profit colleges and universities in the state. More than $30 million has been raised by WVICU for West Virginia’s independent colleges and universities, primarily for student scholarships, since the organization was founded 54 years ago.

For more information regarding WVICU or for a copy of this economic impact study, call 304-345-5525, visit www.wvicu.org, or contact any member institution. In addition, the WVU Bureau of Business and Economic Research has a copy available on its website, www.bber.wvu.edu.