March 14, 2025
The University of Missouri–St. Louis plays a critical role in developing the professional workforce in St. Louis and serves as a key driver of economic development throughout the region. A new report from the nationally recognized consulting firm Tripp Umbach quantifies that impact, revealing that UMSL contributed more than $522.5 million to the region’s economy in fiscal year 2023 by combining direct spending with indirect economic activity generated by the university’s presence. UMSL provided direct support for 2,904 full-time and part-time jobs, while expenditures on capital projects, development and planning initiatives, and suppliers contributed to another 3,794 jobs across the metropolitan area. Chancellor Kristin Sobolik emphasized the university’s role in St. Louis’ success, highlighting its high-quality education and broader economic contributions. The analysis estimated that UMSL alumni contribute $14 billion to the metropolitan St. Louis economy, with an impact of $14.3 billion across the state of Missouri.
On the heels of its 60th anniversary celebration in 2023, UMSL leaders engaged Tripp Umbach to assess the university’s economic influence specifically within the St. Louis metropolitan area, including the city of St. Louis, St. Louis County, and surrounding counties in Missouri and Illinois. UMSL’s statewide impact of $555.1 million represented a 29% increase from the last economic impact report, which used fiscal year 2021 data. The report also analyzed UMSL’s contributions to St. Louis County, the city of St. Louis, and the 22 ZIP codes within the St. Louis Anchor Action Network, which UMSL co-launched with Edward Jones in 2021. UMSL contributed $248.2 million to St. Louis County and $176.3 million to the city of St. Louis, supporting and sustaining 3,181 jobs in St. Louis County and 2,261 jobs in the city. Additionally, UMSL students and employees donated an estimated $23.2 million in voluntary time across the region during FY23. The university’s efforts within the St. Louis Anchor Action Network’s targeted geography resulted in an impact of $91.4 million while supporting 1,172 jobs in those communities.
