UW–Madison economic impact report highlights contributions of university and CALS
In late April, UW–Madison shared a report showing its economic impact on the state of Wisconsin. The university contributes about $38.9 billion, accounting for about one in every $12 in the state economy. UW–Madison’s alumni — 185,487 of whom work in the state as professionals of all kinds — contribute $23 billion to the state’s economy.
Highlights from the report, and impacts from CALS, include:
- CALS and the Division of Extension generate $884.2 million in economic activity, mostly in the state’s agricultural economy. Examples of those efforts include Amanda Gevens’ work improving WI potato crops and the work CALS scientists do with Wisconsin producers and landowners at ag research stations.
- The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) generates nearly a quarter of a billion dollars in economic impact by supporting research and managing intellectual property. CALS scientists continue to further the legacy of WARF 100 years after its founding by a CALS professor.
- UW–Madison’s health sciences support some 18,363 jobs around the state, some of which are held by CALS alumni. For ten years, healthcare has been the #1 employing industry of CALS undergraduates at their time of graduation. While on campus, CALS students interested in health and patient care can be part of the Center for Patient Partnerships, helping residents traverse a complicated medical system.
Take a look at the information below to learn even more about impacts, including those from research, spin-off companies and charitable giving.

