Estimating the Economic Impact of Higher Education: A Case Study of the Five Colleges in Berks County, Pennsylvania
(M. D’Allegro and L. Paff, Pennsylvania State University; 17pp, No 117, Summer 2010).

Abstract
Most economic impact studies are prepared by external consultants at significant cost to an individual college, a higher education state system, or a set of institutions with similar Carnegie Classifications. This case study provides a detailed framework that academic institutions may use to derive economic impact estimates without hiring external consultants. This research is unique in its case study analysis of the collective impact of five colleges that differ with respect to Carnegie Classification, control type, enrollment size, and selectivity. Utilizing internal expertise and resources, the schools estimate they contributed $923 million to $1.2 billion to the Berks County, Pennsylvania economy in 2004–05. Detailed discussion of the underlying methodology, data sources, multipliers, professional expertise needs, and case study limitations are provided.

You can view or download PF # 117 from the AIR web site. Interested in having your manuscripts considered for the Professional File? Please send four (4) copies of your manuscript to the editor, Dr. Gerald McLaughlin (gmclaugh@depaul.edu). Manuscripts are accepted at any time of the year as long as they are not under consideration for another journal or similar publication. Please follow the style guidelines of the Publications Manual of the American Psychological Association, 5th Edition.