ICYMI: Pitt contributed $6.6 billion to Pennsylvania in FY23

The University of Pittsburgh made a $6.6 billion economic impact in Pennsylvania in fiscal year 2023, a 24% increase from FY 2021.

While impressive, the number is just one way to illustrate Pitt's sustained efforts to fortify the state's economic vitality through education, research and community engagement, said Kevin Washo, Pitt's senior vice chancellor for university relations and Chancellor Joan Gabel's chief of staff.

"Pitt's economic footprint reflects our commitment to innovation, job creation and community partnership," Washo said. "We're proud to play such a vital role in the prosperity of our region and beyond."

According to an independent analysis by Tripp Umbach, Pitt supported nearly 49,000 jobs across the commonwealth and generated $356.2 million in state and local taxes. In other words, Pitt supports 1 out of 130 jobs within Pennsylvania, and for every dollar received in appropriations, Pitt returned $43.42 in economic value to the state.

Highlights from the report include:

• $2.4 billion in economic impact from research activities, supporting more than 10,500 jobs.
• $553.9 million contributed through athletics, including $32.6 million generated in state and local taxes, sustaining nearly 6,000 jobs.
• $5.4 billion is generated annually by alumni spending, with 1 out of 31 employees in Pennsylvania being a Pitt graduate and nearly 60% of Pitt graduates residing in Pennsylvania.

Additionally, more than 5,671 members of the Pitt community - including 5,023 students and 648 staff - contributed over 84,000 volunteer hours, valued at $2.7 million. This contribution is in addition to the $6.6 billion annual impact.

Read the full report.

Photography by Aimee Obidzinski