September 25, 2006

Whether viewed separately or as part of the larger group of Nebraska’s private colleges and universities, Dana College plays a vital role in the economic strength of both Blair and the state of Nebraska

A recent economic impact study reveals that Nebraska’s 14 private colleges and universities contribute $1.42 billion to the state’s economy and support more than 11,000 jobs, according to the study, which was conducted on behalf of the Nebraska Educational Finance Authority (NEFA).
Dr. Ernie Goss, professor of economics at Creighton University, tallied the importance of private colleges as a collective force in Nebraska’s economy.

In Blair, Dana College has more than 600 students, employs 155 faculty and staff members, and spends $27.52 million in the local economy and supports hundreds jobs in the area, according to the latest available data.

“We at Dana College are proud to be such an integral part of Blair and look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship with the community,” said Dana College President Dr. Janet Philipp.

“ While we do play a significant role in the area’s economy, that’s only part of the story,” said Philipp. “We contribute in many intangible ways as well, from attracting talented faculty and students to the community, to strengthening local business and educational partnerships, to providing cultural and entertainment opportunities for local residents. Our campus is an essential part of the fabric of life in Blair.”

Throughout Nebraska, the state’s 14 private colleges and universities spend $500 million each year and employ 4,888 full-time faculty and staff members to educate their 26.000-plus students statewide.

The spillover effect of those expenditures totals $900 million annually and creates approximately 6,300 jobs, Goss reported.
“It is clear that private colleges and universities play a key role in the Nebraska economy, directly creating jobs and supporting a great deal of economic activity in their communities and statewide,” Goss said..”

The retail trade industry received the greatest boost, with 5,303 jobs, $91.8 million in wages and $211.3 million in sales attributed to independent colleges and universities, their students and employees. The construction industry followed, with 864 jobs, $74 million in sales and $27.5 million in wages. In all 381 of Nebraska’s 507 industries, or approximately 75 percent, are positively impacted by the state’s independent colleges and universities, the study concluded.

Goss reported that the presence of an independent college or university in a community had a positive impact on both personal income and population growth in their counties. Personal income in Nebraska counties with an independent college or university grew 80 percent from 1990 to 2000, compared with income growth of 45.2 percent in other counties. Likewise, counties with an independent college or university experienced 13 percent population growth from 1990-2000, compared to 3 percent in other counties.

“These figures illustrate the ‘brain gain’ that occurs in communities with independent colleges and universities as they attract highly educated faculty from across the country and as students graduate and pursue career opportunities in the area,” Goss said.

“This study clearly illustrates the important role that independent colleges and university’s play in Nebraska’s higher education system,” NEFA Executive Director Linda Beaver said.

Goss is professor of economics at Creighton University and holds the MacAllister Chair in Regional Economics at the Omaha institution. His study was commissioned by NEFA with additional support from the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Nebraska (AICUN) and the Nebraska Independent College Foundation (NICF).

NEFA assists private institutions of higher education in the state of Nebraska in the construction, financing, and refinancing of needed educational facilities, equipment and structures by means other than the appropriation of public funds.

Nebraska has 14 regionally accredited, not-for-profit, privately controlled colleges and universities. They are: Bellevue University (Bellevue), Clarkson College (Omaha), College of St. Mary (Omaha), Concordia University (Seward), Creighton University (Omaha), Dana College (Blair), Doane College (Crete), Grace University (Omaha), Hastings College (Hastings), Midland Lutheran College (Fremont), Nebraska Methodist College (Omaha), Nebraska Wesleyan University (Lincoln), Union College (Lincoln), and York College (York).

Contact: Carrie L. Reed
Director of College Relations & Marketing
402-426-7385
creed@dana.edu