The 1991 Montana Legislature urged the University System campuses to operate more like a business and help move Montana's economy forward. Today these campuses represent eight economic regions, which -- when combined -- have become one of Montana's largest industries. Twelve years ago higher education was often viewed as a state responsibility. Today, through diversification, it employs 6,794 workers and attracts out-of-state spending and investments totaling more than $300,000,000 per year. In many cases each of the eight campuses represent the largest employer in the region. Higher Education has come of age taking its place among agriculture, natural resources, and the tourism industries as the State's largest contributors to Montana's economic wealth.

Below are links to information that demonstrates how our campuses are economic engines that bring employment, stability, and considerable economic impact to Montana. Highlights of the total economic benefit include:

• Over $480 million spent within eight economic regions bolstering the Montana economy
  
  
• Over $300 million from out-of-state sources, which represents approximately $100 million in the research and commercialization industry, and $200 million in out-of-state student and visitor spending
  
  
• The four areas of the Montana economy that see the largest benefit from the University System Campuses are:
  
  • Housing and Construction
  • Transportation
  • Retail Trade
  • Services

Links to more detailed information:

• Montana University System Economic Impact (All Campuses)
• MSU - Great Falls College of Technology Economic Impact
• MSU - Billings Economic Impact
• MSU - Bozeman Economic Impact
• MSU - Northern Economic Impact