The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor is not only the largest public university in Michigan, we are also among the state’s biggest employers. The University takes great pride in the positive social and economic impact we have on our home community. Each year we undertake a thorough data collection effort in order to effectively measure and communicate the University’s contribution to our local economy.
$313M
In FY 2023 the University of Michigan purchased over $313M in goods and services from Washtenaw County businesses.
The University of Michigan purchases an enormous range of products and services that include food and catering, property maintenance, graphics and printing, transcription, laboratory equipment, computers, and countless others.
$81.8M
A 2015 study by the AAACVB and AEG determined that UM football is responsible for over $80M in economic activity within the community.
The study estimated that roughly 10 percent of Washtenaw County’s tourism dollars stem from home football weekends alone. The economic impact of home games from the University’s other 28 NCAA teams, including basketball, soccer, and hockey has not yet been assessed.
$1.2M
Each year, University of Michigan employees support the local United Way with over $1M in charitable giving.
According to the United Way nearly 40% of families in southeastern Michigan struggle to meet their basic needs. Every October through December University of Michigan employees contribute to local health and human services agencies through the United Way.
9.2%
The University of Michigan Takes up 9.2% of land within the city of Ann Arbor. In comparison, 11.6% of the city is occupied by parks.
Because the University does not pay property taxes, a common criticism is that University growth is bad for the Ann Arbor city tax base. However, the University maintains its own police department, covers campus-adjacent city street maintenance costs, and provides health services to area youth through the Regional Alliance for Healthy Schools.
$20.5M
The roughly 50,000 University of Michigan Ann Arbor students spend over $20M ($410 per student) eating off-campus each month.
According to a report from the Education Data Initiative, the average student spends $410 per month eating off-campus. Students in Michigan also spend, on average, $221 ($11M total) per month on groceries.
$50M
The roughly 50,000 University of Michigan Ann Arbor students discretionary spending exceeds $37M annually.
According to the National Retail Federation, back to college expenses in electronics, furnishings, clothing, personal care, shoes, and branded gear totals over $1000 per household.
