Grambling State University is an essential economic driver to the state and the communities it serves. With sustained expenditures by the institution, its employees, and its students, the campus provides an economic benefit that is significant.

As part of the UL System, the impact of each dollar invested in the university is multiplied by eight as it cycles through our state economy.

Grambling has a total spending impact of $264 million. That includes a $35 million impact of university operating expenditures, $41 million from capital outlay and construction projects, $10 million from health insurance payments, $13 million from retiree spending, $36 million from visitor expenditures, $50 million from spending by faculty and staff, and $71 million from student expenditures.

Conclusion
Strong, significant, and symbiotic relationships exist between local businesses and the university communities they serve. The presence of UL System universities are economic engines in their regions. Business owner Cathy Douglas recognizes that relationship at Grambling State University.

“The University is a living force in the community. It is the main employer and economic driver to the community. The businesses are very dependent on the staff and student base to help maintain their businesses. The University provides jobs for all areas of North Louisiana,” said Douglas.

Local realtor John Chris Stephenson concurs. “Can you divorce the economy of Ruston and Lincoln Parish from Grambling? No,” he said.

These study results demonstrate the extent to which Louisiana’s economy and the north central region, in particular, are tied to Grambling State University.