CU’s impact on the state

Clemson University is in the business of higher education. A new study suggests that, as an off-shoot of its primary objective, the university creates millions in economic benefits. That new study, announced today, finds more than $1.8 billion in economic output, nearly 25 thousand jobs and a net return to the state taxpayers of nearly $77 and a half million dollars. annually. The Thurmond Institute for Government and Public Affairs report also reports a $114.9 million in net local government revenue and $980 million in additional household disposable income. The figures are from 2010, the most recent year of the 10-year period analyzed. For Oconee County, one of Clemson’s bordering counties, there was $92 million in total economic output that accounted for 1,290 jobs directly and indirectly; nearly $113 million in household disposable income and $10.4 million in local government net revenue. The report was commissioned to coincide with this year’s 150th anniversary of the Morrill Act, which created the land-grant system of universities to expand access to higher education and support economic development.