USask’s economic impact measured in billions: new study

The findings are confirmed in a new study, the USask Economic and Social Impact Analysis 2024/25, commissioned by USask and conducted in partnership with the independent scientific research institute RTI International. The data – which was released on Dec. 18, 2025 – spotlights the variety of ways the university contributes to the province and the country on economic, social and environmental levels. The study shows USask contributes $2-billion annually to Saskatchewan’s gross domestic product (GDP) and a $2.4-billion economic impact nationally.

“In addition to the critical role of preparing the province’s professionals, this analysis supports the University of Saskatchewan’s value proposition as a key employer and contributor to the economy, at both the provincial and federal levels,” said USask President Peter Stoicheff. “Our university operations as a leading post-secondary institution, as well as our innovative research endeavours and investment in the skilled and highly educated workforce of tomorrow, confirm USask’s immense impact and ongoing role in strengthening communities across Saskatchewan and beyond.”

The RTI International study was designed to put into perspective the economic impact of all of USask’s operations, research activity, innovations and startups, student and visitor spending, and alumni contributions. The data was analyzed to evaluate the social impact of the university on the community, including reconciliation with Indigenous communities, cultural enrichment, and contributions to public health and social development. The report also showcases USask’s role as a leader in sustainability, while enriching economic resilience.

USask is Saskatoon’s second-largest employer with 6,647 faculty and staff, and one of the top employers in the province, supporting a total of 13,320 jobs directly and indirectly. The study also determined that for every dollar the Government of Saskatchewan invests in the university, USask generates $3.64 in GDP and $2.00 in labour income. USask’s per capita GDP impact is one of the highest in the country amongst benchmark universities, with research grants increasing and research revenue reaching $321 million annually. USask research translation generates close to three times the licensing income of 47 comparable Canadian and American benchmark universities.

USask now draws nearly 26,600 students each year from across the country and 130 countries around the world, and produces an average of 4,500 graduates each year. Close to 70 per cent of those USask graduates remain in Saskatchewan, resulting in a total of 27,000 individuals joining the Saskatchewan workforce over the past decade.

“We are proud to have 178,000 alumni around the world, with more than 70 per cent of our alumni now staying in Saskatchewan to help power the provincial economy and to provide the expertise needed in our communities,” said Cheryl Hamelin, USask’s vice-president of University Relations. “USask alumni are our doctors and dentists, our nurses and pharmacists. They are our lawyers and teachers, our engineering and entrepreneurs, enriching the workforce and supporting the province’s growth plan. With the government’s support, the university’s teaching, learning and research mission helps prepare our students for filling valuable public service roles in society.”

One of the key conclusions of the study was the impressive impact that a USask education has on a graduate’s income throughout their lifetime, with average earnings increasing more than $13,000 annually for each degree completed. That total was calculated to be an average increase of between $850,000 and $1.4 million over a lifetime.

“The value of a University of Saskatchewan degree goes far beyond dollars and cents, but gauging the financial impact of a quality education at one of the leading research-intensive universities in the country is an important consideration for future USask students,” said Hamelin.

The RTI International analysis also confirmed that a USask education narrows the earnings gap for Indigenous jobseekers.

In the 2024/25 academic year, USask attracted 2,940 self-declared Indigenous students, representing 14 per cent of total undergraduate student enrolment, which was one of the highest percentages among Canadian universities.

• For each USask degree earned, average annual earnings increase by more than $13,000. That’s between $850,000 and $1.4 million over a lifetime.
• USask contributed $2.0 billion to Saskatchewan’s economy for 2024/25.
• Every $1 invested in USask by the provincial government translates to $3.64 of GDP.
• USask contributes nearly two per cent of Saskatchewan’s entire economy.
• USask employs 13,320 people directly and indirectly in the province.
• One-third of the province’s costs to support the university are returned through the university’s tax generation.
• Visitors to USask spent an estimated $100.4 million in Saskatchewan in 2024/25.
• USask produces an average of 4,500 graduates annually.
• Over the past 10 years, USask has added 27,000 graduates to the Saskatchewan workforce.
• Self-declared Indigenous student enrolment at USask is one of the highest percentages among Canadian universities and nearly matches the percentage population of Indigenous people in the province.