The University of Pittsburgh
Driving Innovation and Economic Growth Across Pennsylvania
The Challenge
Founded in 1787, the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) has long stood at the forefront of discovery, innovation, and academic excellence. With a legacy of world-changing research and transformative education, Pitt continues to shape Pennsylvania’s economy and workforce. The university engaged Tripp Umbach to quantify its statewide impact and demonstrate how Pitt’s activities—across academics, research, athletics, and healthcare—strengthen communities and fuel growth.
How We Helped
In September 2021, Pitt retained Tripp Umbach to conduct a comprehensive economic impact study evaluating the financial and social value generated by university operations and expenditures throughout the Commonwealth. The study assessed total economic output, job creation, tax revenue, and social contributions across all Pitt campuses, with focused analysis on academic medicine, research, athletics, and alumni influence.
Tripp Umbach’s findings underscore Pitt’s role as an economic cornerstone for Pennsylvania. In 2021, Pitt generated $5.2 billion in total economic impact statewide and supported 47,490 jobs, meaning approximately one in every 130 jobs in Pennsylvania is tied directly or indirectly to the university. Beyond measurable financial returns, Pitt’s influence extends deeply into communities: faculty, staff, and students contributed $85.3 million in charitable donations and volunteer services across the Commonwealth.
Pitt’s impact endures well beyond its campuses. Nearly 197,000 alumni reside in Pennsylvania—about half of all Pitt graduates globally—collectively generating an estimated $17.9 billion in economic activity for the state. Through continued leadership in education, research, and community engagement, the University of Pittsburgh remains a vital force in advancing innovation, opportunity, and prosperity across Pennsylvania.