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Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ delivers a substantial economic boost to the Unifour region” encompassing the counties of Alexander, Burke, Caldwell and Catawba”generating $113.6 million in added income during the 2022-23 fiscal year, according to a new study. The investment in an Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ degree also pays off for students. For every dollar students invest in their education at Ä¢¹½´«Ã½, they receive $3.60 in higher future earnings in their lifetime.  

• Economic Impact: Ä¢¹½´«Ã½'s operations, visitor and student spending, and the success of its alumni contributed a total of $113.6 million to the Unifour economy, supporting 1,935 jobs.
• Return on Investment for Students: For every dollar students invest in their education at Ä¢¹½´«Ã½, they receive $3.60 in higher future earnings. The average annual return on investment for Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ students is an impressive 15.6%.
• Attracting Visitors: Out-of-region visitors spent an estimated $1.2 million to attend Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ Athletics events.
• Alumni Impact: Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ alumni generated $70.8 million in added income for the regional economy.
• Benefits to Taxpayers: North Carolina taxpayers will receive a cumulative value of $67.3 million in benefits over the working lives of Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ students, through increased tax revenues and reduced demand for government services.
• Student Spending: Almost 60% of students came from outside the region and Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ also retained other students who might otherwise have left the area for college. Spending from these students generated $6.1 million in added income.
• Social Benefits: Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ generates $661.5 million in social benefits for North Carolina, including increased economic prosperity and savings in healthcare, justice system, and income assistance.