UNMC and Nebraska Medicine are a primary driver of Nebraska’s economy, a new study shows.
Conducted by national consulting firm Tripp Umbach, the economic impact report highlights the University of Nebraska’s role in workforce development, research innovation and community prosperity. The report also examines the role of Nebraska Medicine, UNMC’s primary clinical partner.
The total economic impact of UNMC and Nebraska Medicine was $7.1 billion in 2024, an increase of 16.9% since 2021. When combined with the research and education activities of the VA and other health care facilities associated with UNMC, the 2024 economic impact increases to $7.9 billion.
“UNMC has long been a leader in education, research and health care innovation, and this latest economic impact report underscores our unwavering commitment to serving all Nebraskans,” said H. Dele Davies, MD, interim chancellor of UNMC. “Alongside Nebraska Medicine, our ongoing impact on the lives and jobs of families across the state reaffirms our role as a cornerstone of progress, discovery and service. The benefits of our work extend far beyond our campuses — enhancing workforce development, driving medical advancements and strengthening communities in ways that will be felt for generations to come. I am immensely proud of our faculty, staff and students for their relentless dedication to advancing health and improving lives.”
Broken down, the overall economic impact of UNMC’s operations on the state of Nebraska was $1.6 billion, including $620 million directly. Those operations supported 6,265 jobs directly across the state, as well as 7,185 indirect/induced jobs. UNMC generated $84 million in state and local tax revenue.
Meantime, Nebraska Medicine was responsible for $5.5 billion in total economic impact, a 40% increase from 2015. Nebraska Medicine also accounted for 43,880 total jobs (9,497 direct) and $189 million in state and local taxes.
“This study validates in financial terms the impact our health system has on the communities we serve,” said James Linder, MD, CEO and board chair of Nebraska Medicine. “It’s also a demonstration of the trust that our thousands of patients have every day that we provide care in our hospitals and health centers from metropolitan Omaha to Kearney, and specialty clinics and telehealth services throughout Nebraska. We are grateful for the impact we have on the health of all Nebraskans.”
By campus, in addition to UNMC’s $1.6 billion impact, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln has an annual economic impact of $3.1 billion; University of Nebraska at Omaha of $1 billion; and University of Nebraska at Kearney of $446.5 million. These impacts are felt not just in the communities in which each campus is located, but all across the state, bolstered by Nebraska Extension’s annual economic impact of $132.3 million and the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture’s impact of $25.5 million.
Beyond dollars and cents, the university’s graduates strengthen communities, said NU System President Jeffrey P. Gold, MD.
“College graduates are more likely to be employed, volunteer, contribute philanthropically and participate in civic life,” Dr. Gold said. “That social return is just as important as our economic impact.”