The Economic Contributions of Vandal Athletics study was conducted by Vandal Student Enterprises in the College of Business and Economics and sponsored by the Moscow Chamber of Commerce and the University of Idaho. The study investigates the economic contributions of the UI Athletic program on the Latah County regional economy while also examining the broader role of Vandal Athletics within the UI community. It was found that Vandal Athletics is responsible for generating over $44 million directly and indirectly in gross economic activity, as well as supporting 605 local jobs.
The primary source of economic contributions came from the recruiting and retention of students and in the overall marketing and branding of the UI and the Moscow community. Other contributions were created from program operations, student athlete-related expenditures, visitor spending, donations to the UI, state appropriations, and other sources.
Additional insights from the study. On average, every new student recruited to the UI on a permanent basis, creates about 0.70 jobs in the community and adds about $49,000 in gross economic activity, including the multiplier effects