Lehigh's Economic Contribution to the Local Community Amounts to $1.4 Billion, According to New Findings
In a recently released report, Lehigh University's comprehensive economic impact on the Lehigh Valley was revealed to be a staggering $1.4 billion for the fiscal year 2023-2024[1][2]. This impact, which encompasses various aspects such as expenditures, employment, research, entrepreneurship, and the added income created by its graduates employed in the region, has a significant role in driving economic prosperity in the Lehigh Valley.
The university's local employment and operations represent significant direct financial inputs into the local economy, supporting numerous jobs both on campus and in the community[1]. Lehigh graduates currently working in the Lehigh Valley generated $122.5 million in added income during fiscal year 2024, demonstrating the long-term effect of the university’s educational role on local workforce productivity and earnings[2].
As a private research university with a highly qualified faculty (95% holding doctorate or highest degrees), Lehigh is a hub for advanced research activities that drive innovation and entrepreneurship. Research outputs often lead to commercialization and startup ventures that stimulate regional economic growth[3]. Lehigh’s support for entrepreneurship is embodied in initiatives like the Go Beyond campaign, which encourages innovation, startup creation, and real-world problem solving by students and faculty, thus fostering new ventures and employment opportunities in the region[1].
The university's research activities led to 30 inventions, 35 patents, and one license[4]. Lehigh's partnerships aim to contribute to the community while also addressing challenges and needs. Though not specific to Lehigh, lifelong learning and workforce training examples in the region highlight the importance of educational institutions in reskilling and upskilling workers to meet evolving economic demands, a role Lehigh also contributes to through continuing education programs and partnerships[4].
Visitors from outside the region, including prospective students and alumni, add $12.3 million to the local economy, supporting the equivalent of 241 jobs[5]. Tracey King, associate vice president of external affairs, stated that Lehigh's success is intrinsically tied to the success of the community[6].
The report, compiled in the Community and Economic Impact Report 2023-2024, is the first formal analysis in more than a decade providing compelling, third-party evidence of Lehigh's significant impact on the region. The study also evaluates the return on investment to stakeholders, including social savings related to health, the justice system, and income assistance in Pennsylvania[7]. However, the report did not provide new data on the economic impact of Lehigh's dedication to enhancing the shared Bethlehem experience through academics, research, entrepreneurship, volunteerism, and collaborative initiatives, nor did it provide new data on the number of jobs supported by Lehigh's focus on entrepreneurship and innovation.
Lehigh University was designated an R1 research university by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, reflecting its high research activity and commitment to advancing knowledge and innovation. The university continues to strive towards enhancing the shared Bethlehem experience and contributing to the economic growth and development of the Lehigh Valley.
[1] Lehigh University. (2023). Lehigh University's Economic Impact on the Lehigh Valley. Retrieved from https://www.lehigh.edu/about/economic-impact
[2] Lightcast. (2024). Lehigh University's Economic Impact Report 2023-2024. Retrieved from https://www.lightcast.com/reports/lehigh-university-economic-impact-report-2023-2024
[3] Lehigh University. (n.d.). Research and Innovation. Retrieved from https://www.lehigh.edu/research
[4] Lehigh University. (n.d.). Inventions, Patents, and Licenses. Retrieved from https://www.lehigh.edu/research/inventions-patents-licenses
[5] Lehigh University. (n.d.). Visitor Economic Impact. Retrieved from https://www.lehigh.edu/about/visitor-economic-impact
[6] Lehigh University. (2024). Lehigh University's Economic Impact Speech by Tracey King. Retrieved from https://www.lehigh.edu/about/economic-impact-speech
[7] Lightcast. (2024). Lehigh University's Economic Impact Report 2023-2024. Retrieved from https://www.lightcast.com/reports/lehigh-university-economic-impact-report-2023-2024
- Lehigh University's research activities, driven by a highly qualified faculty, foster innovation and entrepreneurship, often leading to commercialization and startup ventures that stimulate regional economic growth.
- The university's alumni, currently employed in the Lehigh Valley, contribute significantly to the local economy by generating $122.5 million in added income.
- The university's education and self-development programs, such as continuing education and partnerships, play a crucial role in reskilling and upskilling workers to meet evolving economic demands.
- Lehigh University's initiatives like the Go Beyond campaign encourage innovation, startup creation, and real-world problem solving, thus fostering new ventures and employment opportunities in the region.
- The university's partnerships, focused on contributing to the community, address challenges and needs, contributing to both the economic growth and development of the Lehigh Valley, and the quality of the shared Bethlehem experience.
