A new economic impact study found that Dordt University generated $163.3 million in added income for the Sioux County economy during the 2024-25 fiscal year and supported nearly 2,000 jobs across the county.
The study, conducted by labor market analytics firm Lightcast, estimates that Dordt’s activities support 1,957 jobs in Sioux County, or approximately one in 17 jobs in the county.
University Leaders Say Impact Extends Beyond Campus
Dordt Executive Director of Strategy and Innovation Eric Tudor says the report helps put numbers behind the university’s long-standing influence in the region.
“Our mission is first and foremost educational, but this study helps quantify something many people in this region have experienced firsthand for decades. Dordt’s impact extends far beyond our campus. Through our graduates, employees, visitors, partnerships, and entrepreneurial activity, we’re helping strengthen the economic vitality of Sioux County.”
The study examined several areas of economic activity connected to the university, including operations, construction spending, student and visitor spending, volunteer activity, alumni contributions, and businesses started by Dordt graduates.
Breakdown of Dordt’s Economic Impact
According to the report:
•Total added income to Sioux County economy: $163.3 million
•Jobs supported in Sioux County: 1,957
•University operations impact: $37.5 million
•Construction activity impact: $18.8 million
•Alumni working in Sioux County impact: $26.4 million
•Visitor spending impact: $5.8 million
Entrepreneurial Impact Stands Out
Tudor says one of the study’s most notable findings involved businesses created by Dordt graduates.
“We’ve long believed that Dordt graduates are entrepreneurial and make significant contributions to their communities. The study confirmed that many of our alumni are not only advancing in their careers but also creating businesses, generating jobs, and contributing to the long-term prosperity of the region.”
Workforce Development Benefits
The study also found that approximately 35% of recent Dordt graduates begin their careers in Sioux County, a figure researchers say is significantly higher than what is typically seen among rural colleges and universities.
Researchers also examined the return on investment for students and taxpayers.
According to the report:
Dordt students receive an estimated $3.90 in higher future earnings for every dollar invested in their education.
Students are projected to gain $168.9 million in additional lifetime earnings from their Dordt education.
Iowa taxpayers are projected to receive $24.7 million in additional tax revenue and public-sector savings.
Iowa society receives an estimated $2.60 in benefits for every dollar invested in Dordt University.
Tudor says the findings reinforce the university’s broader mission.
“This study reinforces the value of what happens at Dordt every day. We are preparing students to serve faithfully in their careers and communities, and that preparation creates lasting benefits for employers, families, and communities throughout the region.”
The economic impact study reflects data from Dordt University’s 2024-25 fiscal year and was completed by Lightcast in 2026.
