The University of Alabama at Birmingham
Driving Statewide Growth Through Research, Innovation, and Education
The Challenge
As UAB’s academic, clinical, and research enterprises continued to expand, university leadership sought an updated economic impact analysis to quantify the institution’s full contributions to Birmingham and the state of Alabama. The study needed to capture UAB’s role as a major driver of economic growth, innovation, and workforce development—providing data to inform planning, advocacy, and investment.
How We Helped
UAB partnered with Tripp Umbach to conduct a comprehensive economic impact study measuring and communicating the university’s wide-ranging influence across Alabama for Fiscal Year 2022. The analysis examined direct, indirect, and induced impacts related to UAB Academic, the UAB Medicine Enterprise, and Southern Research operations statewide. The study also assessed UAB’s societal contributions—capturing its local, regional, national, and global reach.
Tripp Umbach’s findings confirm UAB as the largest single driver of Alabama’s economy and the state’s largest employer. In FY22, UAB generated more than $12.1 billion in total economic impact, supported 107,687 jobs statewide, and produced $371.5 million in state and local tax revenue.
Beyond its economic strength, UAB continues to elevate Alabama’s future by preparing a skilled workforce, advancing medical innovation, and fostering community growth. Its mission of discovery, education, and service extends far beyond state lines—making UAB a catalyst for progress that impacts lives across Alabama and around the world.