Wayne State University is playing a pivotal role in Michigan’s economy by providing businesses with the graduates they need, enabling students to obtain valuable degrees, conducting cutting-edge research and contributing to communities statewide, according to an economic impact report prepared by Anderson Economic Group (AEG).

The University Research Corridor (URC), an alliance between Wayne State University, Michigan State University and the University of Michigan, is one of the nation’s top research clusters and the engine for innovation in Michigan and the Great Lakes region, increasing economic prosperity and connecting the state to the world.

The URC’s $19.3 billion net economic impact in Michigan in fiscal year 2019 — the most recent year data is available — is up 50% from its net impact of $12.8 billion in 2007, the first year the report was published. The $19.3 billion net impact also is more than 20 times greater than the $924 million the state spent on the three universities in FY 2019, according to the report.

Enrollment at the three universities has grown by more than 16,600 students since 2007, with 141,000 students enrolled in FY 2019. URC students come from every county in Michigan, with 70% calling Michigan home. The URC universities also attract students from every state in the country and from 100 other countries. This talent pipeline is a major benefit for businesses across the state.

The URC universities grant nearly 12,000 degrees annually in high-tech areas such as biomedicine and bioscience, as well as nearly 13,000 degrees in high-demand areas such as business, computer science and engineering. They also grant nearly 2,500 medical degrees each year.