Lehigh's Community and Economic Influence: Advancing the Lehigh Valley in Unison
Lehigh University's Community and Economic Impact Report for Fiscal Year 2024 reveals the significant contributions made by the institution to the Lehigh Valley's economy and community.
The report, developed in partnership with Lightcast, a labor market analytics firm, quantifies Lehigh's impact for the first time in over a decade. The university's contributions are made through scholarship, service, research, teaching, and a deep connection to the community. This includes Lehigh's wholly owned subsidiaries, Manufacturers Resource Center and Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania.
In Fiscal Year 2024, Lehigh contributed approximately $1.4 billion to the regional economy. This substantial economic injection supports over 14,000 jobs in the region, highlighting the university's significant role as a major employer and economic driver.
A more detailed breakdown of the fiscal year shows that Lehigh directly added $376.7 million in income to the local economy through payroll, university operations, and local spending. This activity alone supported about 6,235 jobs. Beyond direct employment and spending, Lehigh's status as an R1 research institution fuels innovation, attracts funding, and generates a wider ripple effect across local businesses and industries.
Moreover, Lehigh graduates working in the regional workforce contributed an estimated $122.5 million in added income to the area economy in FY 2024, underscoring the long-term impact of its educational programs on regional economic vitality.
President of Lehigh University, Joseph J. Helble '82, expressed gratitude for the community's contributions to the university's impact. The work is part of Lehigh's ongoing efforts to contribute to a stronger, more innovative, and more inclusive community. The work also supports the goals of Lehigh University's "Inspiring the Future Makers" strategy and its "Enhance the Shared Bethlehem Experience" initiative.
The full Community and Economic Impact Report, including the Executive Summary and Full Report, can be accessed on the university's website. The work reaffirms Lehigh's position as an anchor institution in the region, grounding its aspirations in measurable outcomes.
[1]: Lehigh University's Community and Economic Impact Report - Executive Summary [2]: Lehigh University's Community and Economic Impact Report - Full Report [3]: Lehigh University News - Lehigh University's Economic Impact on the Lehigh Valley Reaches $1.4 Billion in FY24 [4]: Lehigh University News - Lehigh University's Economic Impact on the Lehigh Valley: By the Numbers in FY24
- Lehigh University, through its wholly owned subsidiaries, research, teaching, and community service, contributes significantly to the technology and education-and-self-development sectors of the Lehigh Valley's industry.
- The university's R1 research status not only supports local employment but also fosters innovation and attracts finance, thereby having a broader impact across local businesses and the regional economy.
- Beyond the direct financial contributions and local spending, Lehigh's education programs play a crucial role in the long-term finance and business growth of the region, as demonstrated by the estimated $122.5 million in added income contributed by its graduates.
