New study shows University of Rhode Island generates $2 billion in annual economic impact
URI supports nearly 18,000 jobs statewide and returns $17.39 to the Rhode Island economy for every $1 invested by the state
KINGSTON, R.I. —March 26, 2026—The University of Rhode Island generates $2 billion in annual economic activity across the state, supporting 17,799 jobs and producing $135.2 million in tax revenue, according to a comprehensive new economic impact study released today.
The report highlights URI’s role as one of Rhode Island’s most significant economic drivers, fueled by its research enterprise, workforce development programs, student and visitor spending, and partnerships with businesses, government agencies, and community organizations.
The study also demonstrates the substantial return on public investment in the state’s flagship public research university.
For every $1 invested by the State of Rhode Island in URI, $17.39 is returned to the state’s economy, while $1.17 is generated in statewide tax revenue.
“Universities play a critical role in the economic vitality of their states, and the University of Rhode Island is proud to serve as a powerful engine of growth and opportunity for Rhode Island,” said URI President Marc Parlange. “Through education, research, and partnerships with industry and communities, URI is helping to build a stronger, more innovative, and more resilient economy for the state.”
The University supports 17,799 jobs statewide, meaning one out of every 33 jobs in Rhode Island is connected to URI. Those jobs include faculty, researchers, and staff employed directly by the University, as well as thousands more supported through research activity, supply chains, student spending, and visitor spending tied to University events and programs.
A Nationally Recognized Research University
The University of Rhode Island serves as the state’s flagship public research university and its sole land-grant and sea-grant institution, providing education, research, and outreach that benefit communities across Rhode Island.
URI is nationally recognized for its academic excellence and research strength. The University was ranked the No. 1 public university in New England by The Wall Street Journal for the second consecutive year, and it holds Carnegie R1 classification, placing it among the nation’s most research-intensive universities.
“These findings demonstrate the extraordinary value URI provides to Rhode Island,” said Margo Cook, chair of the URI Board of Trustees. “As a Carnegie R1 institution and the state’s flagship university, URI brings federal research funding, innovation, and talent into the state — strengthening industries and creating opportunity.”
Research and Innovation Fuel Economic Growth
Research activity represents one of the most significant drivers of URI’s economic impact.
URI’s research enterprise generates $520.4 million in statewide economic activity and supports 6,350 jobs.
Much of this impact is driven by externally sponsored research funding, which brings new federal and private investment into Rhode Island.
URI researchers are advancing discovery in fields such as oceanography, engineering, cybersecurity, environmental science, health sciences, and advanced materials.
“Research universities are essential to modern innovation economies,” said Bethany Jenkins, vice president for research and economic development at URI. “Our faculty and students are developing solutions to complex challenges while helping drive economic growth in Rhode Island.”
Preparing the Workforce of the Future
URI’s long-term economic impact is reflected in its graduates. More than 47,430 URI alumni currently live and work in Rhode Island, earning a combined $3.56 billion annually.
These graduates serve as engineers, nurses, entrepreneurs, educators, scientists, and leaders across industries. Employers across Rhode Island rely on URI graduates, who bring the knowledge, skills, and creativity that help the state’s companies grow and compete.
Impact Across Key Sectors
The report highlights several major areas of economic impact:
Research enterprise
- $520.4 million economic impact
- 6,350 jobs supported
Health programs
- $237.3 million economic impact
- 2,120 jobs supported
Ocean programs
- $125.4 million economic impact
- 1,052 jobs supported
Athletics and visitor spending
- $140.5 million economic impact
- 1,540 jobs supported
More than 500,000 visitors attend URI athletic events annually, contributing to local businesses and tourism.
Impact in Washington County
URI is a major economic anchor in Washington County, home to its Kingston and Narragansett Bay campuses, generating $963.4 million in economic impact, supporting 8,522 jobs, and producing $64.7 million in tax revenue in the region.
A Mission of Public Service
Beyond economic activity, the URI community contributes significantly to Rhode Island through charitable giving and volunteer service. Faculty, staff, and students collectively contribute $9.2 million annually in charitable donations and volunteer service.
“Our mission as a land-grant university is to serve the people of Rhode Island,” Parlange said. “This study shows how deeply that mission is reflected in the impact we generate across the state.”
Methodology
The economic impact analysis was conducted using IMPLAN (Impact Analysis for Planning), the nation’s most widely utilized economic modeling system. The model integrates data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and U.S. Census Bureau to assess how institutional spending flows through local and state economies. Using standard input-output methodology, the analysis captures direct, indirect, and induced effects—measuring how operational expenditures, supply chain activity, and household spending collectively generate economic activity. This approach applies established multipliers to estimate how each dollar spent recirculates within the economy, providing a comprehensive yet conservative, point-in-time snapshot of economic impact within Rhode Island and Washington County.
The study was completed by Tripp Umbach, a nationally recognized leader in economic and community development consulting. With more than 35 years of experience and over 500 economic impact studies conducted for higher education institutions nationwide, the firm is widely regarded as a leader in the field.
To view the full report, visit: uri.edu/about/economic-impact/.
