Campbellsville University's economic impact is $295.6 million

by Gerard Flanagan, lead writer and communications specialist, Office of Marketing and Communications

Campbellsville, KY (02/03/2025) — Campbellsville University's economic impact stands at $295.6 million dollars on for fiscal year 2021-22, according to a report released by the Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities (AIKCU).

The report notes that Campbellsville University's economic impact ranks second among Kentucky's 18 independent colleges and universities. The total economic impact of a college or university is measured in terms of the direct and induced economic impact of the institution's activity on the local economy.

"Our mission is to prepare students to shape a better future and to be salt and light in places of need around the world, but what a joy to see the strength this brings to our community and the Commonwealth of Kentucky!" CU President Dr. Joseph Hopkins said.

Hopkins added, "We are proud to be situated in the heart of Kentucky serving Kentuckians. The staff and faculty gather at CU in a spirit of servant leadership mentoring world changers but also investing in our communities."

Of the $295.6 million total economic impact of CU, $230.4 million comes from direct spending, and $65.2 million comes from induced spending. Direct spending is defined as the amount of money spent directly by the university, university employees, students and visitors. Induced spending is the additional employment and expenditures of local industries that result because of direct spending.

The economic impact of Campbellsville University equals the creation of 2,905 jobs.

"At a time when communities across the U.S. face economic and workforce challenges, Campbellsville University is proud of the lasting impact our graduates make," Dr. Rush Sherman, CU's vice president for finance and administration and chief financial officer, said.

"Through innovative online education and forward-thinking curricula, we equip students to meet the evolving needs of the communities they serve, driving economic growth and opportunity."

AIKCU commissioned this economic impact report from Mark Paul Gius, Ph.D., professor of economics at Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Connecticut.

Taylor County Judge/Executive Barry Smith said, "I am so proud to hear that Campbellsville University has a $295.6 million-dollar economic impact here in our community here in Taylor County and Campbellsville."

Smith added Campbellsville University's impact extends far beyond economics.

"The values they instill in their students is why we are proud to have Campbellsville University call Taylor County home."

Ron McMahan, executive director of the Team Taylor County Economic Development Authority, said, "Campbellsville University is one of those anchor institutions, like a regional hospital, that all communities, large or small, want to have in their town. They offer such a wide array of job opportunities, diversifying the employment base.

"Besides being our second largest employer, CU's economic impact, both direct and indirect is such a tremendous injection into our local economy."

The full study can be found at https://www.aikcu.org/economic-impact.

Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university that offers over 100 programs including doctoral, master, bachelor, associate and certificate programs. The website for complete information is www.campbellsville.edu.

Campbellsville University

Campbellsville University's economic impact is $295.6 million

Campbellsville University

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