ý contributes $163.3 million in annual economic impact and supports one out of every 17 jobs in Sioux County, according to a new Lightcast study.
A new economic impact study conducted by Lightcast found that ý contributed $163.3 million in added income to the Sioux County economy during the 2024-25 fiscal year, supporting 1,957 jobs across the county.
The study estimates that Dordt’s activities support one out of every 17 jobs in Sioux County, underscoring the university’s role as a significant economic driver for Northwest Iowa.
“Our mission is first and foremost educational, but this study helps quantify something many people in this region have experienced firsthand for decades,” says Eric Tudor, executive director of strategy and innovation at ý. “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.”
, a national labor market analytics firm that has conducted economic impact studies for hundreds of colleges and universities, examined Dordt’s operations, construction spending, student and visitor spending, volunteer activity, alumni contributions, and the impact of businesses launched by Dordt graduates.
Among the study’s findings:
Tudor says one of the study’s most notable findings was the economic influence of businesses launched by Dordt graduates.
“We’ve long believed that Dordt graduates are entrepreneurial and make significant contributions to their communities,” says Tudor. “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.”
The study also highlights Dordt’s growing role in workforce development. Approximately 35% of recent Dordt graduates now begin their careers in Sioux County, a figure significantly higher than what researchers typically see among rural colleges and universities.
Beyond measuring Dordt’s impact on the local economy, the report examined the return on investment for students. Lightcast found that Dordt students receive an estimated $3.90 in higher future earnings for every dollar invested in their education.
Students are projected to gain a cumulative $168.9 million in increased lifetime earnings as a result of their Dordt education.
The study also found benefits for Iowa taxpayers and others. State taxpayers are projected to receive $24.7 million in added tax revenue and public-sector savings, while Iowa society receives an estimated $2.60 in benefits for every dollar invested in Dordt.
“This study reinforces the value of what happens at Dordt every day,” says Tudor. “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 full economic impact study reflects data from ý’s 2024-25 fiscal year and was completed by Lightcast in 2026.
About ý
As an institution of higher education committed to the Reformed Christian perspective, ý equips students, faculty, alumni, and the broader community to work toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life. Located in Sioux Center, Iowa, Dordt is a comprehensive university named to the best college lists by U.S. News and World Report, the Wall Street Journal, Times Higher Education, Forbes.com, Washington Monthly, and Princeton Review.
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