WSU touts $3.4 billion economic impact

PULLMAN, Wash. — A new study says Washington State University generated more than $3.4 billion in economic impact within the state last year. The study by WSU’s Office of Economic Development was released Wednesday as the school launched a yearlong celebration of its 125th birthday. The study says WSU delivered $18.87 in economic impact for every state dollar invested in the school. WSU reported nearly $2 billion in research grant expenditures between fiscal 2008 and 2013, with more than $341 million in research grant expenditures in 2014 alone. WSU has a presence in each of Washington’s 39 counties through WSU Extension. It also has campuses in Pullman, Tri Cities, Vancouver, Spokane and a growing presence in Everett.