Economic Impact Report

Overall Impact

Tulane University plays a direct role in the purchasing of goods and services from local and regional vendors and the employment of thousands across Southeast Louisiana. This direct, local economic activity has myriad spillover effects on the broader economy, supporting regional employment and tax revenue.

  • $5.2 billion

    annual economic impact in the state of Louisiana

  • $2.3 billion

    annual economic impact in New Orleans

  • $88.2 million

    annual tax revenue to Louisiana

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“This report underscores Tulane’s vital and unique role as a game-changing economic engine for the New Orleans region and the entire state of Louisiana. Our presence as a world-class university not only improves lives through breakthroughs, discoveries and transformational education, we are also a foundational and primary driver of sustained economic growth throughout our community and state that benefits everyone.”

- Tulane President Michael A. Fitts

Aerial view of the Louisiana State Capitol, a towering Art Deco building with gardens and water.


"These results should come as no surprise, given the lasting impacts Tulane University has had on our state and the city of New Orleans for generations. The economic benefits, high-paying jobs and new projects Tulane continues to pursue help make the university and the city of New Orleans a premiere location for students across the globe. With Tulane’s continued commitment to our state, I am confident we can make Louisiana a place where people want to stay and grow their business and family. Roll Wave!"

- Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry

Employment and Wages

Recognized by Forbes as the state’s top employer, the university's contributions extend beyond traditional academia, encompassing translational, lifesaving research, public health initiatives, and community engagement. Initiatives such as the Innovation Institute have catalyzed not only job creation but also the emergence of a dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem in the New Orleans region, Louisiana, and beyond.

  • 30,300

    jobs supported in the state of Louisiana

  • 17,260

    jobs supported in New Orleans

  • 1,990

    jobs supported by capital investments

Group of alumni in green, holding signs for "1990" and "2025" reunions.

Alumni Wage Premium

The higher earnings of Tulane graduates support roughly $461 million in economic activity within the state, fostering approximately 2,320 additional jobs. This ripple effect strengthens Louisiana’s economic landscape through increased spending, tax revenue, and overall business activity.

Spending


The economic impact attributed to ancillary spending by students, patients, and visitors is estimated to be approximately $223 million, sustaining around 1,560 direct, indirect, and resultant jobs throughout Louisiana. Local businesses, including restaurants, retail stores, and service providers, experience dramatic increases in customers and revenue due to Tulane’s presence.

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Development and Growth

Tulane University aims to achieve sustainable growth, projecting a 26 percent increase in student enrollment to 17,700 and a 9 percent expansion of its operating budget to $1.4 billion over the next decade.

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Strategic Investments

Tulane University's capital investments play a crucial role in enhancing the infrastructure of the region while stimulating the local economy. These investments include the construction and renovation of academic buildings, research facilities, and residential spaces.

  • 1,990 jobs

    supported annually through capital projects

  • $315 million

    statewide economic impact through capital projects

  • $94 million

    in employee compensation through capital projects

“For nearly two centuries, Tulane University has been a cornerstone of New Orleans, and this economic impact study underscores just how vital the university is to our region's prosperity. Under President Michael Fitts' leadership, Tulane's expansion and innovation are transforming our region by fostering growth and attracting talent. Tulane exemplifies the adage that the way to create a great city is to create a great university and wait 200 years!”

— Michael Hecht, President and CEO of Greater New Orleans, Inc.

This report expands upon an economic and social impact study conducted by Econsult Solutions, Inc. (ESI) in 2019, incorporating the University’s recent achievements and future goals. For details on data collection and organization, to read a summary of the report, or request a copy of the full report please refer to the report methodology overview.