Economic Impact
K-State: A positive force for Kansas
Economic and Community Impact of Kansas State University
Fiscal Year 2023
K-State is a powerhouse institution, demonstrating excellence in education, research and service. Acknowledged for its accomplishments, K-State remains a driving force in enhancing the well-being of Kansas, the nation and the global community.
With an enrollment nearing 20,000 students, a workforce of 7,500 full-time and part-time individuals and a vast network of more than 200,000 active alumni worldwide, K-State's influence extends locally and globally. The university consistently makes economic, employment and tax impacts, playing a vital role in sustaining the region's prosperity and fostering a resilient statewide economy.
K-State stands as a powerful and positive force for Kansas - this report shows just how much that statement rings true. In the fiscal year 2023 alone, the university's impact on the state's economy exceeded $2 billion, contributing significantly to the prosperity of all 105 counties. This accomplishment reflects the collective effort among each and every member of the K-State community. The impact that we can make, working together as "One K-State" is unmatched.
- Richard H. Linton, Kansas State University President
Making an impact throughout Kansas
Impacting the economy
K-State generated $2.3 billion in economic impact for Kansas. This total represents the direct impact of spending in the state ($652.3 million) and the indirect and induced spending ($1.6 billion) because of the presence of K-State. This indirect impact includes re-spending dollars within the local economy by vendors/suppliers and households, while institutional, employee and visitor spending all contributes to direct impact.
Supporting and sustaining jobs
K-State supported 21,335 jobs in Kansas, directly enhancing workforce vitality and strengthening the economy across sectors. These jobs, encompassing full-time and part-time positions, consist of direct employment by the university (8,949 jobs) and indirect and induced jobs (12,406 jobs).
These employment impacts directly contribute to Kansas' overall workforce vitality and provide a boost to the economy. Individuals directly employed by K-State spend their earnings within the state, further supporting additional employment. Additionally, K-State's spending on capital projects, development and planning projects, and suppliers contributes to the creation of additional indirect jobs throughout Kansas.
Strengthening local and statewide tax bases
K-State received $235 million from the state of Kansas in fiscal year 2023, and generated $124.7 million in state and local taxes. For every dollar K-State receives from Kansas taxpayers, $8.79 is generated by the university's operations and programs in the state's economy. This return on investment is a result of the work done at Kansas State University, and the impact of the institution is extended by K-State Athletics, the K-State Alumni Association and the KSU Foundation.
The K-State Opportunity Agenda
K-State aims to generate economic prosperity and contribute to grand societal challenges in an interdisciplinary, mutually beneficial way. By uniting resources and expertise to elevate K-State's role in driving world-class discovery, innovation and scholarship, we call these areas the K-State Opportunity Agenda.
Kansas State University
$1.69 billion generated in economic impact.
16,614 jobs supported and sustained.
$92.3 million generated in state and local taxes.
Manhattan region
Geary, Pottawatomie and Riley counties
$1.31 billion generated in economic impact.
12,846 jobs supported and sustained.
$71.3 million generated in state and local taxes.
K-State Athletics
$486.1 million generated in economic impact.
3,852 jobs supported and sustained.
$26.2 million generated in state and local taxes.
Salina region
$37.2 million generated in economic impact.
364 jobs supported and sustained.
$2 million generated in state and local taxes.
K-State Alumni Association
$12.1 million generated in economic impact.
70 jobs supported and sustained.
$654,891 million generated in state and local taxes.
Olathe region
$32.3 million generated in economic impact.
317 jobs supported and sustained.
$1.8 million generated in state and local taxes.
KSU Foundation Impact*
$59.1 million generated in economic impact.
355 jobs supported and sustained.
$3.1 million generated in state and local taxes.
K-State Research and Extension
$383.2 million generated in economic impact.
3,755 jobs supported and sustained.
$20.9 million generated in state and local taxes.
*The economic impact stems from K-State entities' operational spending. The KSU Foundation's $952 million endowment in FY23 yielded $126.1 million for K-State's immediate use, reflected in the university's annual budget. Additionally, philanthropic contributions of $226.4 million were generated and allocated to K-State.