SHU economic impact increases by more than $78 million since 2018

Seton Hill University made an estimated $194.3 million impact on the Pennsylvania economy and produced 1,631 jobs in 2023, according to a study released by the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania. 

Seton Hill’s impact increased by more than $78 million since the last AICUP economic impact study was released in 2019. That study showed Seton Hill contributed $116.8 million in 2018. Seton Hill’s economic impact has more than doubled since 2014 when a similar study showed the University had made a statewide impact of $70.5 million. 

“The AICUP study confirms that Seton Hill University - along with other independent colleges and universities - continues to make a profound economic impact locally, regionally and statewide,” said Seton Hill President Mary C. Finger. “Over the past decade, Seton Hill’s economic impact has more than doubled, which is a testament to the university’s continued growth particularly as we expand our academic programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. In particular, the addition of our doctoral program in physical therapy, the introduction next fall of a doctorate in occupational therapy and our planned initiatives in graduate nursing will bring in more students, and their families, to the area. Seton Hill is thrilled to help contribute to the expansion of the economy in Greensburg and beyond.”

“As the anchor higher education institution in the City of Greensburg, Seton Hill University is a valued stakeholder and contributor to the economic vitality of our city,” said Nancy Ligus, Executive Director of the Greensburg Community Development Corporation (GCDC). “Our community continuously benefits from the stability SHU has offered over its long tenure ‘on the hill,’ as well as the innovation and investment made in downtown properties. Past and present generations of Seton Hill graduates have come to live and work in Greensburg, adding to the diversity of its culture and character, and supporting its ongoing health and sustainability for future Setonians.”

The study, which was conducted by Parker Strategy Group, a nationally recognized research firm specializing in economic impact analysis, considered the direct spending on operations, wages and benefits, and capital projects by Seton Hill University and the estimated increase in demand for goods and services in industry sectors that supply or support the University. The study also measured the effect of student and visitor spending and the induced effect of increased household income.

According to the study, Seton Hill University supports and sustains 1,631 jobs throughout the state. This includes:

• 1,157 direct jobs sustained by the University;
• 188 indirect jobs created by supply and equipment vendors and contractors; and
• 285 induced jobs created in the community at hotels, restaurants and retail stores in support of Seton Hill’s faculty, staff, students and visitors. 

The study also calculated tax revenues generated by this economic activity including sales tax, property tax, personal income tax, and corporate income taxes. The study concluded that Seton Hill University generates about $15.4 million in tax revenues annually for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and for local governments. 

Beyond this direct economic impact, Seton Hill University is embedded in the community in a variety of ways. 

Our students, faculty and staff provide thousands of hours of community service annually through organized volunteer days as well as service embedded within academic programs and athletics teams. For example, The Seton Hill Center for Orthodontics provides orthodontic care to patients throughout the region, many of whom come from low-income backgrounds. And, Seton Hill’s Physical Therapy program conducts outreach at senior citizen centers and through area church missions that serve individuals in rough sleeping situations. 

Through a grant from the Richard King Mellon Foundation, Seton Hill has been working with a number of community partners on economic development opportunities within the City of Greensburg to explore ideas such as the expansion of graduate housing and the addition of an entrepreneurship center.

Seton Hill’s partnership with the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) brings medical students – and their families – to Greensburg to study and work in clinical rotations. 

Seton Hill’s arts facilities in downtown Greensburg bring art shows and music, dance and theatre performances to the community, increasing visitors to the city and contributing to the arts and cultural life of the area.

Seton Hill joins with the 12 other independent colleges and universities in the Metro Pittsburgh area in creating a total economic impact of $5.1 billion in 2023, according to AICUP. In addition to Seton Hill, Metro Pittsburgh independent colleges and universities include Carlow University, Carnegie Mellon University, Chatham University, Duquesne University, Geneva College, La Roche University, Point Park University, Robert Morris University, Saint Vincent College, Washington & Jefferson College, Waynesburg University and Westminster College.

Statewide, AICUP member schools contributed more than $29 billion to the Pennsylvania economy. A brochure containing the major findings in the report is on AICUP’s website (www.aicup.org).

The Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania (AICUP), the only statewide organization that serves exclusively the interests of private higher education within the Commonwealth and exists to complement and support the work of campus leaders.  With a membership of more than 80 private colleges and universities within Pennsylvania, the Association provides a variety of services and programs tailored specifically to the needs and situation of independent higher education.  A list of AICUP’s member colleges and universities is included on its website at www.aicup.org.