A report on Kentucky’s independent colleges says they contribute more than $2 billion to the state economy.
The Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities represents 18 schools.
That includes Alice Lloyd College, Asbury University, Bellarmine University, Berea College, Brescia University, Campbellsville University, Centre College, Georgetown College, kentucky Christian University, Kentucky Wesleyan College, Lindsey Wilson College, Midway University, Spalding University, Thomas More University, Transylvania University, Union Commonwealth University, the University of Pikeville and the University of the Cumberlands.
More than 59,000 students attend those member schools. The group says that accounts for one in five bachelor’s degrees in the Commonwealth.
The report accounts for the 2021-2022 fiscal year, which is the most recent year data was available.
Among the largest economic drivers include the University of the Cumberlands, Campbellsville university and Berea College, all contributing more than $200 million.
That includes direct spending, plus the economic impact of local industries that are also affected. The report also says those schools created nearly 17,933 jobs that year.
The full report is available here.
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