Downers Grove and DuPage County
Overall Economic Impact
³ûÄñÊÓƵ remains a key driver of economic growth and healthcare education in DuPage County and the state of Illinois, contributing $439 million to the local economy.
Recently, the University commissioned a comprehensive, independent analysis by Applied Economics, a specialized economics consulting firm, to determine its current and ongoing financial impact.
The study revealed that ³ûÄñÊÓƵ has had a far-reaching effect on job creation, business development, personal income, tax revenues, and construction expenditures in the local economy.
$439 Million Total Impact
³ûÄñÊÓƵ had an overall economic impact of over $439 million on the DuPage County Economy in 2024.
Employment Impact
| $86.7 million, 680+ jobs | The University’s 687 full- and part-time employees contributed $86.7 million annually to the local payroll, while their spending further boosted the economy by $55 million. |
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| 1,700+ jobs – $74.5 Million in Payroll | The University supported over 1,600 jobs and $72.6 million in payroll at other local businesses supported by the University, their employees, students, and campus visitors. |
Local Business Impact
| $131.6 Million | Through their spending, the more than 2,600 students at ³ûÄñÊÓƵ supported 581 jobs and created $38.7 million in labor income at local businesses in 2024. |
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| $55 Million | ³ûÄñÊÓƵ’s faculty and staff further boosted the economy by $55 million. |
| $8 Million | Downers Grove Campus visitors, including prospective students and event attendees, added $8 million to the economy. |
Tax Impact
| $13 Million | ³ûÄñÊÓƵ indirectly generated an estimated $13 million in state and local tax revenues. Estimated annual state and local tax revenues include $807,000 in sales, property, and hotel use taxes to the Village of Downers Grove; $3.1 million in property and sales taxes to the county, school district, and other local taxing districts; and $9.8 million to the state in sales and personal income taxes. |
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Planned Projects Impact
| Over $286 Million | ³ûÄñÊÓƵ has $286.1 million in planned construction projects, expected to create thousands of jobs and further stimulate economic growth in Illinois. |
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Research Impact
| $2.4 million | ³ûÄñÊÓƵ plays a critical role in advancing scientific research, securing $2.4 million in research grants for 2023-24 to support groundbreaking studies in healthcare and related fields. These funds empower faculty and students to collaborate on pioneering research, driving innovation, and advancing medical knowledge. |
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Community Impact
Service at ³ûÄñÊÓƵ: A Core Value
For over a century, ³ûÄñÊÓƵ has prioritized community service as a fundamental part of its mission.
“At ³ûÄñÊÓƵ, community service is not an elective course, but rather an integral part of the educational experience shared by students, faculty, and staff,†says Kathleen H. Goeppinger, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of ³ûÄñÊÓƵ.
³ûÄñÊÓƵ students, faculty, and staff actively contribute to their communities through year-round initiatives, including health fairs, lecture series, school seminars, medical care for the homeless, and physicals for student-athletes.
Despite demanding coursework, students dedicate thousands of volunteer hours annually, supporting local agencies and making a lasting impact. Students on both campuses consistently volunteer at agencies such as:
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Healthcare Impact
Since its founding in Illinois in 1900 and Arizona in 1995, ³ûÄñÊÓƵ has continually evolved to meet the changing needs of healthcare. This growth has cemented the University’s role as a leader in healthcare education and community service.
| 67,000+ Patients Served Annually | The six-story Multispecialty Clinic provides essential care through specialized clinics, including the These facilities offer critical services while giving students hands-on clinical experience. |
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| 19,900+ Alumni Nationwide | Downers Grove Campus graduates excel in hospitals, pharmacies, private practices, government agencies, academic institutions, and healthcare facilities nationwide. |
Educational Impact
| 6,000+ Students in 25 Healthcare Programs | Across both campuses, ³ûÄñÊÓƵ provides rigorous, hands-on training to prepare future healthcare professionals. Graduates go on to serve communities nationwide, delivering high-quality care in hospitals, clinics, private practices, and public health organizations. |
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