Downers Grove Impact
Midwestern University’s Downers Grove Campus strengthens the local economy by supporting employment, business development, tax revenue, and healthcare education to meet community needs.
Downers Grove and DuPage County
Economic Impact
As a key economic driver in the region, Midwestern University plays a crucial role in the economic vitality of Downers Grove, DuPage County, and the State of Illinois.
In 2024, the University commissioned a comprehensive, independent analysis by Applied Economics, a specialized economics consulting firm, to determine its current and ongoing financial impact.
$439 Million Overall Impact
In 2023-24, Midwestern University generated a total economic impact of $439 million in DuPage County, driven by University operations, local vendor purchases, spending by employees and students, and campus visitors.
Student Spending: $131.6 Million
Student spending at Midwestern University in 2023-24 generated significant local demand, supporting 581 jobs and $38.7 million in labor income at local businesses, contributing to the annual economic impact.
687 Direct Jobs and $86.7 Million Payroll
Midwestern University employs 687 full- and part-time faculty and staff with a total annual payroll of $86.7 million, providing quality, well-paying jobs for Illinois residents, with 43 percent of employees residing in DuPage County.
Community Impact
Service at Midwestern University: A Core Value
For over a century, Midwestern University has prioritized community service as a fundamental part of its mission.
Midwestern University students, faculty, and staff actively contribute to their communities through year-round initiatives, including health fairs, lecture series, school seminars, medical care for the homeless, and physicals for student-athletes.
Despite demanding coursework, students dedicate thousands of volunteer hours annually, supporting local agencies and making a lasting impact. Students on both campuses consistently volunteer at agencies such as:
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Downers Grove, DuPage County, and the State of Illinois
$13.6 Million in State and Local Tax Revenues
Midwestern indirectly generated an estimated $13 million in state and local tax revenues. Estimated annual state and local tax revenues include $807,000 in sales, property, and hotel use taxes to the Village of Downers Grove; $3.1 million in property and sales taxes to the county, school district, and other local taxing districts; and $9.8 million to the state in sales and personal income taxes.
$61.6 Million in Local Vendor Spending and 148 Jobs Supported
Midwestern University supports the local economy by making substantial purchases of equipment, services, and supplies, with $61.6 million spent in 2023-24. This spending, including $22.7 million in direct industry-specific purchases, generates an additional $37.6 million in annual economic impact and supports an estimated 148 jobs in related businesses, contributing $14.2 million in local labor income.
$55 Million in Employee Spending and 291 Jobs Supported
The 687 faculty, staff, clinic employees, and residents at Midwestern University, along with employees at supported local vendors, contribute significantly to consumer spending, generating an induced economic impact of $55 million in 2023-24. This spending supports 291 jobs and provides $19.7 million in labor income for other local businesses.
$8 Million in University Visitor Spending
Visitors to Midwestern University, including those attending admissions-related events and special University activities, contributed 30,600 visitor days to the local economy. These visitors spent an estimated $4.8 million on local goods and services such as food, lodging, transportation, retail, and entertainment. This spending resulted in an induced economic impact of $8.0 million, supporting 80 local jobs and generating $3.8 million in labor income within the hospitality industry.
$286.1 Million in Construction Expenditures
From fiscal years 2024 through 2032, Midwestern University is projected to spend $286.1 million on current and planned construction projects, which could generate a one-time economic impact of $429 million in DuPage County, supporting approximately 2,647 jobs and $228.6 million in labor income.
Caring for Our Community
67,245 Annual Patient Visits to Our Clinics
Midwestern University’s Multispecialty Clinics offer essential healthcare services to the community while providing hands-on experience for students, with community members actively contributing to the education of future providers. The clinics include: Dental, Eye, Family Medicine, Physical Therapy, and Speech-Language.
Expanding Scientific Knowledge
Research Grants: $2.4 million in 2023-24
The Downers Grove Campus secured $2.4 million in sponsored research grants, a significant increase from $1.5 million in 2018-19. This funding enables groundbreaking studies, advancing knowledge in healthcare and other fields.
Fueling Economic Growth
Faculty
actively teach, conduct research, and mentor their future colleagues
Downers Grove Campus Alumni
are working in leading hospitals, pharmacies, private practices, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and healthcare facilities nationwide and in DuPage County
Professional Staff
are employed to support the academic mission of the University
Students
enrolled on the Downers Grove Campus who contribute to the local economy