Study extolls Tabor’s economic impact

A study commissioned by Kansas Independent College Association concludes that Tabor College brings an estimated $34.8 million to the state’s economy — mostly from its own operations.

The study, by Parker Phillips, reports $31.2 million in direct spending on operations and $3.5 million in spending by students and visitors.

Tabor supports 242 jobs, including 159 direct jobs, the study shows.

Private, nonprofit colleges had a statewide economic impact of $1.1 billion, the study claims.

“The private, nonprofit colleges and universities of Kansas play an essential role in growing Kansas’ economy — through talent development and opening the doors of educational opportunity for the citizens of Kansas,” Matt Lindsey, president of Kansas Independent College Association, said in a news release. “It’s also important to note that through their annual operations and the impact of alumni after graduation, our colleges and universities have a significant impact on their local economies and the state as a whole.”