Over a recent five-year period, capital investments by Wisconsin’s private colleges generated nearly $576 million in economic activity statewide, supporting more than 1,200 jobs and delivering significant benefits to local communities.

Across Wisconsin, our twenty private, nonprofit colleges and universities are doing more than educating students.

We are actively building stronger communities through strategic campus investments. Capital expenditures across WAICU member campuses are a powerful, often underrecognized contributor to economic growth, job creation, and regional vitality.

Over a recent five-year period, capital investments by our private, nonprofit colleges generated nearly $576 million in economic activity statewide, supporting more than 1,200 jobs and delivering significant benefits to local communities. These investments, ranging from new academic buildings and residence halls to modernized labs, student centers, and infrastructure upgrades, are direct investments in Wisconsin’s future.

Importantly, the impact of these projects extends far beyond campus boundaries. Construction and renovation projects generate immediate demand for local contractors, suppliers, and skilled labor, while also creating ripple effects that support additional jobs and economic activity across related industries. Of the total capital investment impact, a substantial portion is felt at the local level, reinforcing the role of campuses as anchor institutions in their communities.

These improvements also enhance the ability of member campuses to attract and retain students, faculty, and staff, bringing new energy, talent, and consumer spending into local economies. From housing and dining to retail and transportation, campus growth helps sustain small businesses and contributes to vibrant downtowns and neighborhoods throughout the state.

Capital investments also position our institutions to meet evolving workforce needs. Updated facilities for health sciences, technology, business, and other high-demand fields ensure that students are learning in environments that reflect real-world settings. This alignment strengthens Wisconsin’s talent pipeline while supporting industries that depend on a skilled workforce.

As part of a broader economic engine that generates $5.4 billion in annual economic impact and supports more than 39,000 jobs statewide, WAICU campuses demonstrate that higher education investments have both immediate and long-term returns.

For communities across Wisconsin, from La Crosse to Milwaukee, Beloit to Green Bay, these campus investments represent more than construction projects. They are commitments to economic resilience, workforce development, and shared prosperity.

Take a few minutes to watch our economic impact animated video.

Learn more about the economic impact tool here.