Report: UW Tacoma drives $359 million impact to help support Washington’s economy

The University of Washington Tacoma campus generated a total impact on the state’s economy of $359 million in fiscal year 2023, according to an economic contribution analysis released in October. The study further concludes that the economic activity of UW Tacoma created or sustained 2,277 jobs statewide.

The analysis shows that the economic contribution of UW Tacoma has increased significantly over the past decade: The economic contribution of UW Tacoma rose from $212 million in 2014-15 to $359 billion in 2023-2024. Similarly, the number of jobs created and sustained rose from 1,608 to 2,277 over the same period.  

“These findings underscore UW Tacoma's transformative impact, not just through our direct economic contribution of $359 million, but through the lasting value our graduates bring to their communities. We're proud to be an engine of opportunity and growth for the South Sound region and Washington state,” said UW Tacoma Chancellor Sheila Edwards Lange.   

In addition to the impact of campus operations, the report also found that the income being added to the economy as a result of graduates obtaining post-secondary education creates an impact at the household, community and statewide levels.  

Across its three campuses, the University of Washington generated a total impact on the state’s economy of $20.9 billion in fiscal year 2023 and supported or sustained 111,951 jobs statewide.  

The study measured the economic contribution of UW operations including its campuses and projects in the Puget Sound region, Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue Metropolitan Statistical Area, and across the state of Washington. The study was conducted by Parker Strategy Group, formerly a part of Parker Philips, a nationally recognized consulting firm specializing in economic impact analysis.   

“The UW continues to grow its impact year over year in the city and the state. Continued economic growth is not a foregone conclusion for colleges and universities across the U.S. Once again, the UW shows that it is a sustainable economic driver that is making a significant economic and societal impact on Washington,” said Nichole Parker, managing principal of Parker Strategy Group.  

• Download the complete report here