University operations
MSU employment, purchasing, services, utilities and construction create economic activity well beyond university payroll.
$653M in personal income statewide
10,804jobs supported
$74.4Mtax revenue
Impact
Impact Assessment
Mississippi State puts investment to work across Mississippi.
Mississippi’s investment in MSU doesn’t stop at the edge of campus. It goes to work across the state, supporting jobs, strengthening businesses and industries, fueling research and innovation, and creating opportunity in Mississippi communities.
$3.9B in economic impact across Mississippi
Strengthening Mississippi
Impact that starts here and reaches across Mississippi
Mississippi State is a major economic engine for the state. The 2024 Impact Assessment demonstrates how investment in the university moves through operations, research, agriculture and outreach, alumni, students, and visitors to create economic activity across Mississippi.
Together, these activities contribute to $3.914 billion in economic impact, 82,921 jobs supported and nearly $450 million in state and local tax revenue generated each year.
The assessment was prepared by Mississippi State University's National Strategic Planning & Analysis Research Center (NSPARC), using a Mississippi-specific economic model and statewide data sources.
Your investment at work
Every $1 invested puts $25 to work across Mississippi.
For every $1 Mississippi invests in MSU through annual state appropriations, the university generates $25 in revenue across the state’s economy. That return shows up in jobs, wages, business activity and public revenues in communities throughout Mississippi.
$319.7Mstate tax revenue
$129.9Mlocal tax revenue
$449.6Min annual state and local tax revenue generated
Research dollars at work
Mississippi’s research university puts discovery to work.
With $320 million in annual research expenditures, Mississippi State leads the state in research investment. Those dollars fuel discovery, build industry partnerships, support high-skill jobs and turn new ideas into solutions that strengthen Mississippi.
From engineering and aerospace to agriculture, cybersecurity, data analytics and national defense, MSU research turns discovery into economic activity and practical solutions for Mississippi.
$320Mannual research expenditures
53%of all R&D spending among Mississippi universities
$33.1Min state and local tax revenue generated by MSU research activity
5,630jobs supported statewide by MSU research activity
Investment at work across Mississippi
Where MSU's impact goes to work
MSU’s impact reaches across the state through university operations, research, agriculture and outreach, alumni, students, and visitors. Together, these activities put Mississippi’s investment to work in businesses, households and communities statewide.
About the assessment
A data-driven look at MSU's statewide value
The 2024 analysis updates MSU's previous economic impact study with expanded data access, deeper university collaboration and a Mississippi-specific modeling approach.
How was the economic impact calculated?
NSPARC used the Regional Economic Models, Inc. (REMI) PI+ input-output model, calibrated to Mississippi's economy using federal employment, earnings, spending, demographic and industry data. The study evaluates direct, indirect and induced economic activity while accounting for relevant assumptions and opportunity costs.
What data made this study different?
The analysis used Mississippi's Statewide Longitudinal Data System, which integrates administrative records from more than 25 education, workforce and human service agencies. That access provided a more precise picture of MSU alumni working in Mississippi and the university's broader workforce impact.
Who contributed to the analysis?
NSPARC collaborated with units across the university, including the Office of Research and Economic Development, the Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine, Institutional Research, the Alumni Association, Athletics, Student Activities and others.
Impact Study
See how Mississippi's investment goes to work.
Explore the complete assessment to see how MSU turns state investment, research, education and outreach into measurable economic activity across Mississippi.
Economic Impact Analysis conducted by Mississippi State University's National Strategic Planning & Analysis Research Center (NSPARC), in collaboration with the Office of Research and Economic Development and the Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine.
TAKING CARE OF WHAT MATTERS