$24.9 BILLION:
POWERING PROGRESS ACROSS ILLINOIS
Discover how the University of Illinois System fuels progress at scale and drives billions in value and opportunity across the state.
Driving Impact, Delivering Value
Collective Strength Moving Illinois Forward
Collaboration is our catalyst. Across three universities, statewide partners, and local communities, the University of Illinois System transforms shared effort into lasting impact. Together, we expand access to education, generate billions in economic activity, and strengthen Illinois at every level.
In fiscal year 2023, we generated $24.9* billion in economic impact and supported more than 225,000 jobs across Illinois. That momentum comes from every facet of the system: the students who invest in their future, the researchers solving urgent challenges, and the startups, partnerships, and local spending that keep our state moving forward.
* Totals reflect combined spending and alumni impact
By the Numbers
A snapshot of scale, reach, and return on investment — and the key figures that show how we move Illinois forward.
Jobs Supported
1 in every 37
Jobs tied to the U of I System and students
Jobs Added
225,171
Jobs added — fueling industries statewide
Alumni Impact
$18.0B
Alumni income reinvested in Illinois
Strong Returns for Illinois and Its Communities
Every dollar invested in the U of I System pays off. Taxpayers see nearly $4 in economic return for every $1 the state invests, while students gain $7 in lifetime earnings and benefits for every $1 they spend on their education.
Collective Power.
Regional Impact.
Each entity within the U of I System contributes value to the state of Illinois.
Startups and Spin-offs
Innovation That Launches Companies
$511.3M
From classrooms to commercial success, U of I System-connected startups added more than $500 million to Illinois’ economy in FY2023. These companies drive job creation, unlock new industries, and keep Illinois competitive.
Health
Advancing Care, Improving Lives
$1.6B
Our researchers and healthcare providers are making Illinois healthier — from rural telehealth access to major medical breakthroughs. We train the workforce, expand care, and build stronger health systems statewide.
Research
Ideas With Real-World Impact
$1.2B
Illinois research helps build stronger communities and smarter systems. From cyber-resilient energy grids to climate modeling and precision agriculture, our work turns bold ideas into practical solutions.
In Every Corner of Illinois
Real Stories. Real Impact.
Behind the numbers are people, places, and partnerships that show what impact looks like in our day-to-day. From small businesses and healthcare clinics to classrooms and research labs, the U of I System’s reach extends across every sector. These stories spotlight how our collective strength translates into opportunity, innovation, and economic growth for communities statewide.
DIG DEEPER
Dig deeper into the data, access systemwide initiatives, and explore the tools that help drive impact across Illinois.