Economic Impact

AICUP (Association of Independent Colleges & Universities of Pennsylvania)

AICUP encompasses more than 80 independent nonprofit colleges and universities across Pennsylvania, including both small liberal arts institutions and large urban universities. These institutions educate a significant share of the state’s student body, notably providing access to Pell and PHEAA grant recipients and underrepresented minorities, all while operating efficiently and delivering strong workforce outcomes.

Case Study:

AICUP (Association of Independent Colleges & Universities of Pennsylvania)

The Puzzle

Pennsylvania's independent nonprofit colleges and universities are central to both education and local identity in communities across the Commonwealth. AICUP needed concrete, compelling data to showcase how its 80+ member schools drive statewide economic vitality, innovation, and community stability. The goal: elevate the sector’s visibility among policymakers, business leaders, and the broader public.

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How we helped

Parker Strategy Group's 2025 economic impact report delivered a comprehensive assessment of the AICUP sector’s contributions:

$29 billion annual economic impact from member schools alone; expands to $65.6 billion when including affiliated teaching hospitals
More than 195,000 jobs supported statewide
AICUP’s impact is equivalent to nearly 7% of the statewide economy when including the AICUP schools’ teaching hospitals.
$158 generated in economic activity for every $1 of state dollars invested, giving AICUP schools an excellent ROI.
Member institutions educate ~279,000 students annually and confer 77,000 degrees each year—over half of the state's four-year degree-seeking and STEM students, and a majority of nursing and teaching candidates.
$1.5 billion in state and local tax revenues generated.

AICUP schools are also among top employers in communities, including areas like Wilkes-Barre/Scranton—contributing millions locally, supporting thousands of jobs, and even driving NIH/NSF research funding and Small Business Development Centers.

How It Helped The Client

The report reframed Pennsylvania’s independent, nonprofit colleges—not just as educational institutions, but as powerful economic and civic engines across the Commonwealth. Armed with robust ROI data and tangible local stories, AICUP strengthened its advocacy toolkit, deepened engagement with legislators and funders, and elevated visibility for campuses that anchor communities and economies alike.

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