Study finds Christian colleges and universities add $60 billion each year to national economy

The Council for Christian Colleges & Universities released data this week indicating member schools generate about $60 billion in annual economic activity in their respective communities.

Trinity International University is one of 142 institutions associated with the Washington-based organization. CCU institutions collectively educate 445,000 students, employ 72,000 faculty and staff, and serve 3.5 million alumni around the world.

Econsult Solutions, Inc. of Philadelphia conducted the economic impact study for the CCU. The study says Christian higher education generates $17.9 billion each year in salary and benefits, indirectly contributes to the employment of 340,000 people, and accounts for $9.7 billion in federal tax revenue due to the economic activity it brings to the marketplace.

"This report helps us understand the role of Christian colleges and universities, not only for faith-based scholarship and personal spiritual formation but also as a major economic engine in the U.S., supporting local jobs and generating federal tax revenues," Econsult senior vice president and principal Lee Huang said. "Our nation and our communities need more of what these institutions do, which is act as anchors of economic activity, serve and engage with their immediate neighbors, and add intelligent and service-oriented graduates to tomorrow's workforce."

"Our rigorous academics and educational missions shape students who act for the public good - often at a cost to themselves - out of a love for Jesus Christ and for the world around them," CCU president Shirley V. Hoogstra said. "The results from this report are powerful and illuminate a bright future for Christian higher education."

Access to the full report is available at cccu.org/economic-impact/.