The University of West Alabama's
Economic Impact Study
Measuring UWA's Value to Alabama
The University of West Alabama creates lasting value for Alabama through education, workforce development, and community engagement. The Economic Impact Study, conducted by Lightcast, measures UWA’s contribution to the state economy and demonstrates the long-term return on investment for students, taxpayers, and society.
Creating Lasting Value
Through the success of its graduates, university operations, and community impact, UWA strengthens Alabama’s economy while creating opportunities for students, employers, and communities across the region.
Explore the statewide and regional reports to learn how UWA contributes to economic growth, workforce development, and long-term prosperity across Alabama and beyond.
Statewide Executive Summary
A concise overview of the study’s key findings, economic impact, and return on investment.
About the Study
Measuring UWA's Impact
The FY 2023鈥�24 Economic Impact Study evaluates the University of West Alabama’s contributions to the state economy and the return on investment generated for students, taxpayers, and society. Conducted by Lightcast, the study examines how university operations, student and visitor spending, volunteerism, construction, and alumni contribute to Alabama’s economic growth.
The findings demonstrate that UWA creates measurable value well beyond campus, strengthening communities, supporting employers, and preparing graduates who drive the state’s workforce.
Full Statewide Impact Report
A detailed analysis of the study’s methodology, statewide impact, investment outcomes, and supporting data.
Looking for local impact? Explore reports highlighting UWA’s contributions across West Alabama, East Mississippi, and the Black Belt region.
West Alabama & East Mississippi
Region 1
Examines UWA’s economic impact across West Alabama and East Mississippi, highlighting the university’s regional influence on workforce development and economic growth.
Region 1 Fact Sheet
Alabama's Black Belt Counties
Region 2
Explores UWA’s impact across Alabama’s 19 Black Belt counties:
Bibb, Bullock, Butler, Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Dallas, Greene, Hale, Lowndes, Macon, Marengo, Monroe, Montgomery, Perry, Pickens, Sumter, Washington, and Wilcox.
UWA Region 2 Fact Sheet
Lightcast
Economic Impact Study conducted by Lightcast
Lightcast provides colleges and universities with labor market data that help create better outcomes for students, businesses, and communities. Lightcast data, which cover more than 99% of the U.S. workforce, are compiled from a wide variety of government sources, job postings, and online profiles and r茅sum茅s. Hundreds of institutions use Lightcast to align programs with regional needs, drive enrollment, connect students with in-demand careers, track their alumni鈥檚 employment outcomes, and demonstrate their institution鈥檚 economic impact on their region.
