University of Arkansas says it contributed $3 billion to state in 2023

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — The University of Arkansas showcased its economic impact on Tuesday with its newest report revealing the school directly contributed $3 billion to the state last year.

The school said that number comes through adding jobs, workforce development, increasing enrollment, visitor spending, construction and more.

More than 569-million dollars of that total comes from student spending. The last report came in 2018 when the university was contributing $2.2 million.

“We represent and support the entire state of Arkansas and that’s really important to us. As a land grant institution, we’re not the University of Northwest Arkansas, we’re the University of Arkansas and we want to support the entire state,” University of Arkansas Chancellor Dr. Charles Robinson said.

Robinson said he’s proud of where they’re at but wants to get back to work and continue to play a role in growing the state’s economy.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.