KINGSTON, R.I. — March 26, 2026 — The University of Rhode Island (URI) plays a crucial role in the state’s economy, generating $2 billion each year. This activity supports nearly 18,000 jobs and contributes about $135 million in tax revenue, as revealed by a recent economic impact study.
URI stands as an essential driver in Rhode Island’s economy, thanks to its research initiatives, workforce programs, and partnerships with local businesses and organizations. For every dollar invested by the state, URI returns $17.39 to the local economy and $1.17 in tax revenue.
“Universities are vital for economic health,” said URI President Marc Parlange. “By focusing on education, research, and community partnerships, URI helps build a stronger economy for Rhode Island.”
With 17,799 jobs tied to URI, about one in every 33 jobs in the state is linked to the university. This includes faculty, researchers, and staff, as well as roles created through student spending and university-related events.
URI also holds a prestigious place in American higher education, recognized as New England’s top public university by The Wall Street Journal and classified as a Carnegie R1 institution, indicating its strength in research.
According to Margo Cook, chair of the URI Board of Trustees, “The findings show the immense value URI brings to the state. Our research attracts federal funding and innovation, boosting local industries.”
Research is a powerful economic engine for URI, generating $520.4 million statewide and creating around 6,350 jobs. Experts like Bethany Jenkins, URI’s VP for Research and Economic Development, stress the importance of research universities in driving modern innovation. “Our faculty and students are working on solutions to today’s challenges,” she noted.
Additionally, URI alumni contribute significantly to the state’s economy. Over 47,430 graduates live and work in Rhode Island, collectively earning $3.56 billion annually. They are employed as engineers, nurses, educators, and leaders across various sectors, making them essential assets to local businesses.
URI’s economic impact can be broken down into specific sectors:
- Research: $520.4 million impact, supporting 6,350 jobs
- Health programs: $237.3 million impact, supporting 2,120 jobs
- Ocean programs: $125.4 million impact, supporting 1,052 jobs
- Athletics and visitor spending: $140.5 million impact, supporting 1,540 jobs
Every year, URI athletic events attract over 500,000 visitors, which benefits local businesses and boosts tourism.
In Washington County, home to URI’s Kingston and Narragansett Bay campuses, the economic impact reaches $963.4 million, supporting more than 8,500 jobs and generating $64.7 million in taxes.
Additionally, the URI community gives back significantly through charitable work, contributing $9.2 million annually in donations and volunteer service. “Our land-grant mission is to serve Rhode Island,” Parlange said. “This study illustrates how we fulfill that commitment.”
The economic analysis was conducted by Tripp Umbach, an expert in economic development consulting. Using advanced modeling techniques, they assessed how URI’s spending circulates through the local economy. This method gives a detailed yet conservative view of the university’s economic impact across Rhode Island.
For a deeper dive into the findings, you can check out the full report at uri.edu/about/economic-impact/.
