Economic Impact Report

Impact that reaches every corner of the state

Washington State University drives economic growth and opportunity statewide. Through research, education, and community engagement, WSU turns ideas into discoveries, changes lives, creates jobs, and builds partnerships that strengthen businesses and communities across all 39 counties and on the Colville Reservation.

Washington State University engaged Community Attributes Inc. to evaluate the economic impacts of the university. This assessment is an update to the 2015 WSU Economic Impact and Reach report.

The evaluation was conducted beginning in mid-2025, using data from 2024.

WSU provided detailed data on revenues, expenditures, employment, enrollment, research, Extension, alumni, athletics, and other aspects of operations. Additional information is drawn from state and federal employment and wage data, and the Washington Department of Revenue.

Using the Washington State Input-Output Model, economic impacts include:

  • direct and indirect jobs,
  • income, and business output,
  • related household spending.
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Map of Washington state containing economic impact in Washington $4 billion generated in total

For every

$1

in state funding
received

WSU generates

$12

in economic
impact

25,700

students enrolled

across five campuses and the online Global Campus

Washington State University is a powerful engine of opportunity. This report shows that every dollar invested in WSU returns twelve to our state through jobs, innovation, and community growth. Our reach is statewide, and our impact is real with research that solves real problems, education that transforms lives, and a relentless drive to advance Washington.

WSU President Betsy Cantwell 

9,904

people employed

across Washington

1 in 3

students are first-generation

(parents don’t have 4-year degrees)

of bachelor’s degrees were awarded to WASHINGTON RESIDENTS in 2024, strengthening the state’s WORKFORCE PIPELINE

WSU students graduating

As a proud WSU alum, I  know personally how the university makes a real difference for families across Washington state. I’ve also seen firsthand the tremendous impact WSU has on our state’s economy—creating jobs, expanding opportunities, and driving new research and discoveries that transform industries and change lives. WSU not only provides a top-notch education for tens of thousands of students each year, but it’s an engine for economic growth across Washington state. I’ll always be a champion for WSU in the other Washington—Go Cougs

U.S. Senator Patty Murray
WSU researcher working with fish in a lab

$403.4
MILLION

in ANNUAL RESEARCH EXPENDITURES

$65.6 MILLION

invested across Washington’s counties and tribal areas through
WSU EXTENSION,
advancing food systems, youth development and economic resilience

Nearly

281,000
ALUMNI

of which 65%

WORK AND LIVE IN

Washington

Researcher working on robotic arm in an orchard

Washington State University is a key driver in creating jobs and modernizing the agriculture industry in our region. During my tenure in Congress, they have been a close ally in making sure producers and employers have the resources needed to stay competitive. I thank them for their hard work and for their outstanding contributions to local economies across the state.

Congressman Dan Newhouse

WSU IS THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND

$46 BILLION

in annual state revenue through R&D in agriculture, energy, public health, veterinary medicine, and sustainable aviation fuels

WSU Athletics

GENERATES MORE THAN

$89 MILLION

in tickets and concessions, fundraising, licensing, sponsorship, media, and conference revenues each year

Cosmic Crisp®

a WSU-bred apple,

HAS GENERATED OVER

$30 MILLION

in licensing revenue since it was introduced in 2019

Washington State University is an integral part of the talent pipeline for Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories. With more than 600 WSU alumni on our team, we see firsthand how the university educates students that then strengthens our workforce, and supports high-quality jobs in Washington. WSU’s economic impact extends well beyond campus, enabling growth for employers and communities across the state.

David Whitehead, President, Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories

Washington State University has been a key partner for Washington’s agriculture industry and rural communities for decades. Through cutting-edge research, extension services, and workforce development, WSU delivers real economic value for farmers and helps keep our grain industry competitive in global markets. Its impact is felt far beyond campus, strengthening local economies across the state.

Casey Chumrau, CEO, Washington Grain Commission

Washington State University is a key driver of Washington’s economic success. It develops a skilled, job-ready workforce and partners closely with employers statewide, strengthening businesses, communities, and our overall competitiveness.

Kris Johnson, President, Association of Washington Business

WSU’s contribution to Washington State’s economy cannot be overstated, and its role in shaping our future workforce is even more meaningful. WSU prepares students for our economy’s high-demand jobs, and its research, industry partnerships, and commitment to student success directly align with our goal of ensuring every young person in our state is on a path to a great career. Taken together with the university’s community contributions, we are incredibly fortunate to have this significant institution here in Washington.

Rachel Smith, President, Washington Roundtable 

Pullman is a proud community where being a Coug just seems to hit differently. WSU’s unique quality to truly encompass “Pullman Proud” through their incredible support of our local businesses and our dedicated community through economic impact & passion for our small-town feel, is a blessing without measure. We love being Cougs and we love having WSU as one of our valued Chamber members.

Pete Chittenden, Executive Director, Pullman Chamber of Commerce