Over the past century, Southeastern has become not only an indispensable educational resource for the region, but also a major economic driver. From job creation and increased student income to spending impact and heightened public and social savings, today Southeastern has a significant, positive effect on nearly every aspect of the area economy and beyond.
The ’21-’22 fiscal year Economic Impact Report tells the story the University’s true economic reach and of the profound effect Southeastern has on both the lives of its students and the regional economy.
$1 billion
added to area economy
15,564
jobs supported
$2.8 billion
total benefits to society
Students and alumni are the heart of and reason for Southeastern. The University is committed to helping them find their path; supporting them throughout their educational and career journey; and providing the knowledge, skills, and connections to achieve success.
And their efforts in attending Southeastern do indeed pay off. Fall ’21-’22 bachelor’s degree graduates will see annual earnings that are $22,500 higher than a person with a high school diploma or equivalent working in Louisiana. The collective class will earn $760.4 million more in lifetime earnings, which translates to a return of $5.30 for every $1 they invested in the education.
$760.4 million
In Increased Lifetime Earnings for Fall ’21-’22 Graduates
$22,500
more in annual earnings with a Southeastern bachelor’s degree
For every $1
students invest in their education, they will gain $5.30 in lifetime earnings
Southeastern employs about 1,429 full-time and part-time faculty and staff, but the impact on those within the region doesn’t stop there. Through the University’s activities, 15,564 total jobs are supported, and the effect on businesses and the local economy is extensive.
Through operations, research, construction, visitor, and student spending; spin-off companies; student and employee volunteerism that helps organizations to grow; and retention of alumni in the regional workforce, Southeastern adds $1 billion to the area economy.
$2.2 million
research spending impact
$2.3 million
construction spending impact
$2.5 million
visitor spending impact
• $984,600 volunteerism impact
• $19.6 million impact from new student residents
• $29.6 million spin-off company impact
• $144.2 million operations spending impact
• $815.3 million impact through local retainment of employed graduates
Southeastern is also a great investment for the public and society. Through ’21-’22 students’ higher income and the resulting increased employee and employer taxes, the state and local government will have collected by the end of their working careers a present value of $73.4 million in added taxes.
Benefits to taxpayers also consists of $15.2 million in savings generated by the improved lifestyles of Southeastern students and the corresponding reduced government services, including healthcare, justice system, and income assistance.
$73.4 million
benefit to taxpayers through students’ higher earnings and increased business output
For every $1
invested, taxpayers will gain $3 in added tax revenue and public sector savings
For every $1
invested, society will gain $10.90 through added income and social savings
• $15.2 million in savings for taxpayers through reduced demand for government-funded services
• $2.7 billion long-term growth of Louisiana economy from ’21-’22 students
• $169.8 million in public and private sector savings
