UW Engineering’s state economic impact

The UW College of Engineering drives $605 million to help support Washington’s economy.

The University of Washington College of Engineering contributes $605 million in total economic impact to Washington’s economy, according to a new analysis conducted by Parker Strategy Group, a nationally recognized consulting firm specializing in economic impact analysis. The report, which covered fiscal year 2024, also concluded that the College’s activities added nearly $480 million to the state’s GDP and supported 3,767 jobs across Washington.

“This report underscores the central role UW Engineering plays in the vitality of Washington’s economy,” says Nancy Allbritton, Frank & Julie Jungers Dean of the College of Engineering. “Our faculty, students and partners are advancing research and innovation that directly strengthen communities and industries throughout the state.”

Core drivers of impact

The College of Engineering’s economic reach is driven by three main sources: its operations, student spending and visitor activity.

Operational spending — the day-to-day functions that keep the College running — generated $326 million in economic activity and supported 1,600 jobs, including 829 faculty and staff positions on campus.

Student spending represents another driver, producing $250 million in economic impact and sustaining nearly 2,000 jobs throughout the state. Students contribute directly to the economy through housing, food, transportation and retail purchases — circulating dollars that strengthen local communities.

Visitors to the College of Engineering, including those attending conferences, events and professional meetings, contributed an additional $29 million to Washington’s economy and supported 176 jobs in hospitality, transportation and related sectors.

Advancing research and innovation

With more than $145 million in annual research activity, the College of Engineering is one of the nation’s leading contributors to discovery and applied innovation. In fiscal year 2024, research conducted by the College generated $272.2 million in total economic impact and supported 1,070 jobs statewide.

The College’s research enterprise continues to expand through strong partnerships with industry and government, including collaborations with Amazon, Boeing, T-Mobile and Microsoft. These relationships foster advances in areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, clean energy, health innovation and sustainable infrastructure.

In addition, the College launched seven startups in fiscal year 2024, accounting for 58 percent of all new UW startups that year, and secured 17 new commercialization agreements. These efforts reflect the College’s sustained commitment to translating research into solutions that improve lives and strengthen the state’s economy.

Supporting the state’s workforce

The College’s alumni are a critical component of Washington’s workforce. Among more than 38,000 UW Engineering alumni worldwide, approximately 74  percent live and work in Washington, collectively generating $3.9 billion in annual economic activity and supporting over 17,000 jobs statewide.

Even still, Washington is one of the top importers of engineering talent, relying heavily on out-of-state graduates to meet the state’s workforce demand in high-growth sectors like aerospace, clean energy, advanced manufacturing and technology. 

“While projections show a shortfall of over 300,000 workers with bachelor’s and advanced degrees over the next decade, the College continues to address statewide workforce needs by collaborating with industry partners to expand educational and professional development opportunities in high‑demand fields,” says Allbritton.

Strengthening public revenues and community impact

The College of Engineering’s presence generates significant public benefit. In fiscal year 24, the College’s operations, research and associated activities produced $117.1 million in state, local and federal tax revenue, supporting education, infrastructure and essential services across Washington.

“UW Engineering’s impact extends beyond innovation and research—it contributes directly to the state’s economic resilience and quality of life,” says Nichole Parker, founder of Parker Strategy Group. “Our analysis demonstrates how the College’s work fosters job creation, public investment, and long‑term prosperity.”

University‑wide economic impact

Across its three campuses, the University of Washington as a whole generated an estimated $20.9 billion in total economic impact in fiscal year 2023 and supported or sustained approximately 111,951 jobs statewide. The College of Engineering’s $605 million contribution represents a meaningful share of that impact — fueling innovation, supporting thousands of jobs and translating education and research into tangible economic benefits for communities across Washington.