Kansas City University
KCU: Training Healthcare. Transforming Communities.
The Challenge
Kansas City University, with campuses in Kansas City and Joplin, Missouri, sought to communicate the full scope of its impact across the Bi-State region. The university aimed to demonstrate how it educates physicians and health professionals, strengthens the health care workforce, drives economic activity, and supports local communities, while advancing its longstanding mission to improve access to care and health outcomes in Missouri and Kansas.
How We Helped
Tripp Umbach conducted a comprehensive economic and community impact analysis of KCU’s operations, workforce, alumni, and visitor activity. The study quantified the direct, indirect, and induced economic effects of the university across the Bi-State region and nationally, translating complex data into a clear narrative of KCU’s impact on employment, economic growth, and tax contributions. The analysis also highlighted broader community benefits, including volunteerism, charitable giving, and the education and training of health care professionals who serve local communities.
The study demonstrates that KCU is a significant driver of economic activity and workforce development in Missouri and Kansas. In FY25, the university generated nearly $498.9 million in total economic impact nationwide, supported 3,216 jobs, and contributed $25.9 million in federal tax revenue. Within the Bi-State region, KCU produced $409.8 million in economic activity, sustained 2,641 jobs, and generated $21.3 million in state and local tax revenue. These findings highlight KCU’s role as both a leader in health care education and a vital regional anchor, strengthening the workforce, expanding access to care, and supporting local economies across Missouri and Kansas.