SALT LAKE CITY — Utah Tech University (UT) is a major educational and economic anchor for Southern Utah, according to a new report from the University of Utah’s Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute. The report finds UT strengthens Utah’s and the Southwest Economic Region’s economies through university operations, capital and construction spending, and spending by nonresident students and visitors, while also delivering broad workforce and community benefits.
“The incredible work of the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute confirms what we witness every day here at Utah Tech University — that investing in higher education strengthens our communities, drives economic growth and creates opportunities for generations to come,” said Utah Tech University President Shane B. Smeed. “In addition to preparing our graduates to be workforce ready on day one, think critically and advance innovation, our hands-on approach to learning reaches well beyond the classroom by generating lasting societal benefits and driving economic opportunity and community prosperity for Southern Utah and beyond.”
“Utah Tech’s contribution is especially significant in the Southwest Economic Region because the university both anchors employment and brings spending into the local economy through students, visitors, operations and capital investment,” said Melanie Beagley, senior analyst at the Gardner Institute and lead author of the report. “The findings show a university whose influence extends well beyond campus — supporting local jobs and businesses today while helping prepare Utah’s future workforce.”
Key findings from the report include the following:
Employment – Utah Tech directly employs 2,200 individuals, making it the third largest employer in Washington County and the fifth largest employer in the Southwest Economic Region. UT supports more than 3,700 jobs in the region (including jobs produced through indirect and induced effects), representing 2.1% of jobs regionwide.
Regional Economic Activity – Utah Tech supported a total of $169 million in earnings, $244 million in gross domestic product (GDP), and $395 million in output (total sales) regionwide in FY 2025. This activity constitutes 1.9% of regional earnings, 1.5% of regional GDP, and 1.2% of total output in the Southwest Economic Region.
Education – Utah Tech enrolled over 13,000 students across more than 75 undergraduate programs, 10 graduate programs, and more than 80 certificate programs during the 2024-25 academic year. UT awarded 4,696 degrees and certificates in 2024-25, equipping graduates for a wide range of careers in Utah’s economy. These graduates support Utah’s workforce with many remaining employed in-state following graduation.
Visitor Spending – Utah Tech attracts many out-of-region visitors for events such as athletics, campus tours, and commencement. These visitors spent an estimated $1.1 million in the Southwest Economic Region, further boosting local economic activity.
Societal Benefits – Utah Tech benefits its students, employees, and the broader community through workforce quality and development initiatives, student experience, community supports and services, and research and commercialization.
The full report is now available online. The Gardner Institute has also completed similar economic contribution studies for other public institutions in the state, including the University of Utah, Utah State University, and Southern Utah University.
ABOUT THE KEM C. GARDNER POLICY INSTITUTE
The Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute serves Utah by preparing economic, demographic, and public policy research that helps the state prosper. We are Utah’s demographic experts, leaders on the Utah economy, and specialists on public policy and survey research. We are an honest broker of INFORMED RESEARCH, which guides INFORMED DISCUSSIONS, and leads to INFORMED DECISIONS™. For more information, please visit gardner.utah.edu or call 801-587-3717.
ABOUT THE DAVID ECCLES SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
Founded in 1917, the David Eccles School of Business at the University of Utah is dedicated to driving student success through academic rigor, immersive real-world learning, and strong career outcomes. Located in one of the nation’s most dynamic regions for business and entrepreneurship, the school is shaped by a distinctive Mountain West ethos of growth, grit, and ambition. At the Eccles School, students don’t just earn a degree or learn business — they live it. Through a rigorous, integrated curriculum led by renowned faculty and hands-on experiences that translate knowledge into practice, graduates develop strong business fundamentals, durable skills, mindset, and confidence to lead with integrity and create impact across industries and communities. The school’s centers and institutes serve as a bridge between academics and the business community, connecting students to real-world opportunities while advancing applied research and partnerships that contribute to business and society. Learn more at eccles.utah.edu.
ABOUT UTAH TECH UNIVERSITY
Utah Tech University is an open-enrollment teaching institution that offers 300 academic programs at one of the lowest tuition costs in the Western United States. With the motto “active learning. active life.” Utah Tech provides personalized and engaged learning experiences that prepare students for rewarding careers and enriched lives. Outside of the classroom, students have the opportunity to enjoy the unparalleled opportunities for an active life that accompany UT’s location in scenic Southern Utah.