Study finds AU’s economic impact on Illinois $1.3 billion

Aurora University generated an estimated $1.3 billion in added income to the Illinois economy in fiscal 2022-2023, according to a new economic impact report.

Alumni working in Illinois made the biggest impact, contributing $1.2 billion to the state economy. The top industries, based on the equivalent of jobs supported, included healthcare and social assistance, government and education, and other services.

The long-term return on investment in an AU education is significant. A graduate with a bachelor’s degree from AU earns an average of $31,700 more annually than an Illinois worker with a high school diploma or equivalent, amounting to $1.2 million in increased lifetime earnings, according to the report.

The study also found that for every dollar invested in AU, the people of Illinois receive $16.70 in benefits in return. The calculation is based on the added tax revenue and public sector savings Illinois citizens will gain over the working lives of AU students due to lower crime rates, reduced welfare dependency, and less use of public health services.

The findings come from an independent economic impact analysis commissioned by AU and conducted by Lightcast, a labor market analytics company.

Read more about the impact AU is making on students and the communities they serve in the 2025 President's Report.