A new economic impact study from the Tennessee Independent Colleges and Universities Association (TICUA) shows that Lee University’s impact extends well beyond its campus, generating hundreds of millions of dollars in economic activity and supporting thousands of jobs.

According to The Economic Impact of TICUA Institutions, prepared by Regional Economic Consulting Group (REC), Lee generated $612 million in total economic activity, supported 3,682 jobs, and contributed $24 million in state and local tax revenue over the course of one school year.

The findings highlight Lee’s role as an economic and workforce partner in Cleveland and across Tennessee.

“Lee University exists to educate students and prepare them to make a meaningful difference in the world,” said Lee President Dr. Phil Cook. “This report shows the impact of that mission reaches well beyond the classroom. The economic activity generated by our students, employees, and alumni reflects the important role Lee plays in strengthening the workforce, supporting local businesses, and contributing to the prosperity of Tennessee. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve our region in ways that are both educational and economic.”

The full report examines the broader economic contributions of Tennessee’s independent colleges and universities, including institutional operations, student spending, and economic activity generated by alumni. The findings demonstrate that the impact of these institutions extends into communities throughout the state.

Collectively, Tennessee’s private colleges and universities generate more than $22 billion in economic activity each year, support 135,490 jobs, and provide nearly $6.8 billion in income across the state. The study also found that, despite being self-funded and tax-exempt, the economic activity generated by these institutions contributes more than $695 million in state and local sales and property taxes.

“Independent colleges and universities are deeply woven into the economic fabric of Tennessee,” said TICUA President Dr. Cameron Conn. “Every day, these institutions educate and prepare Tennesseans for the workforce, employ people in communities across the state, and generate economic activity that reaches far beyond their campuses. This report puts numbers behind that impact and demonstrates that Tennessee’s independent institutions are proven partners, delivering powerful returns for students, communities and the state.”

To learn more about the economic impact of Lee University and Tennessee’s independent colleges and universities, visit TICUA.org/page/economicimpact.

TICUA engages Tennessee’s 34 private, nonprofit colleges, and universities to work collaboratively in areas of public policy, cost containment, and professional development to better serve the state and its citizens. In fall 2025, TICUA member colleges and universities throughout the state enrolled more than 79,000 students and employed more than 21,000 faculty and staff.

For more information, visit TICUA.org.