Mississippi State University has made a significant increase in its economic contribution to the state of Mississippi, generating an annual impact of $3.9 billion, according to the university’s National Strategic Planning and Analysis Research Center. This figure indicates a significant increase from the $1.8 billion reported in 2019.
University leaders unveiled the study’s findings during a press conference on March 19. The analysis highlights that for every dollar invested by taxpayers into MSU, $25 in income is produced within Mississippi. MSU President Mark Keenum highlighted these statistics when he spoke at the press conference among other university leaders.
“I truly cannot believe that there is a better investment for tax dollars and the impact they can have for this state than what is invested here at Mississippi State and what we’re able to return back to the citizens of our great state,” Keenum said.
Additionally, the university’s activities support over 80,000 jobs statewide, accounting for one in every 15 jobs in the state. MSU alumni also generate more than $1 billion in wages.
On campus, student and visitor spending also boosts the Golden Triangle’s economy. The study found student spending generated about $42 million in economic impact last year, while the 645,000 campus visitors added $24 million to the impressive figures.
“This report quantifies what we have long known — Mississippi State University is a core economic driver across the state of Mississippi,” Keenum said. “Our world-class faculty and staff work hard every day to move Mississippi forward and educate the students and future leaders we need in our state and nation.”
A significant factor in MSU’s economic impact is its research portfolio. With $320 million in research expenditures for fiscal year 2024, the university contributes an equivalent amount in income for Mississippians and supports 5,630 jobs statewide. MSU’s research portfolio covers everything from health science to real-world projects that solve problems, train workers and help businesses grow, impacting Mississippi.
“As the state’s leading research university, we make a point to align our capabilities with key economic sectors in Mississippi,” said Julie Jordan, MSU’s vice president for Research and Economic Development. “This allows our research to remain relevant to our stakeholders and industry partners and helps us prepare graduates to fill high-impact jobs in Mississippi and beyond.”
The study is an update from a similar 2019 study that reported the university’s statewide impact of $1.8 billion.
NSPARC’s study this year examined MSU’s employment, operations spending, student and visitor expenditures, research impact and alumni contributions. The findings highlight MSU’s crucial role in Mississippi’s economic growth.
The study also studied the impact of MSU’s Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine, which encompasses MSU Extension, the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station, the Forest and Wildlife Research Center, and the College of Veterinary Medicine. Altogether, the division contributes $1.7 billion through research and support to Mississippi’s agriculture and business sectors.
“Our division continues to make a difference for Mississippi’s largest industry,” said Keith Coble, MSU’s vice president for the Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine. “Throughout MSU’s history, agricultural and forestry producers have relied on us to lead research and extension efforts that help them increase productivity and navigate the many natural and economic challenges they face.”
