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Harrisburg University of Science and Technology has received nearly $100 million in capital investment and it is one of the largest economic development projects this region has ever undertaken. The University represents a major strategic step to attract, educate, and retain Pennsylvania’s diverse 21st century knowledge-based workforce. Its applied academic programs in the nationally critical Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines fulfill a strategic role to position the region—and the nation—to be a competitive force in the global economy.
Harrisburg University is in a unique position to help Central Pennsylvania capitalize on its talent dividend by increasing the percentage of the population that holds a college degree. A recent report by CEOs for Cities quantified the economic benefit to cities of a college-educated populace to show that per capita income and four-year college attainment rates are closely correlated. Using data from 2006, CEOs for Cities calculated that each percentage-point improvement in adult four-year college attainment is associated with a $763 increase in annual per capita income.
The University's annual impact in the local economy is more than $32 million. Over the next decade, Harrisburg University has the potential to create 450 jobs, 350,000 square feet of additional academic space and spark investment in entirely new or rehabilitated corporate, retail, residential, and research office and laboratory space in downtown Harrisburg.
Harrisburg University is an economic development engine adding to the intellectual capacity of the region, driving job creation and investment.