Point Park's $237M Annual Economic Impact is Projected to Double By School's Centennial Wednesday, June 11, 2025
Photo by Ethan Stoner '25
“This study affirms Point Park’s vital role as a driving force in both Downtown Pittsburgh and the greater region. It highlights the extraordinary potential we have to expand our leadership and deepen our impact as a cornerstone of this community’s progress and prosperity.”
A new economic impact study commissioned by Point Park University puts the school’s annual impact on the Pittsburgh region at $236.9 million and 3,270 total jobs. By 2033, the 100-year anniversary of Point Park, that impact is projected to grow to $486.3 million and 4,370 total jobs.
“This study affirms Point Park’s vital role as a driving force in both Downtown Pittsburgh and the greater region,” said Dr. Chris W. Brussalis, president of Point Park University. “It highlights the extraordinary potential we have to expand our leadership and deepen our impact as a cornerstone of this community’s progress and prosperity.”
The report, compiled by Fourth Economy, a national community and economic development consulting firm, details the economic and social impacts of Point Park as it serves the regional community. This includes financial impacts related to dollars spent on capital projects and maintenance, jobs created both inside and outside the University, the costs associated with operating Point Park, and more. It also estimates the cultural and societal benefits Point Park brings to the surrounding community.
Currently, student spending generates an annual impact of $61.4 million and 890 total jobs. By 2033, those numbers are projected to increase to $147.6 million and 1,320 jobs. Those estimates are built around planned enrollment increases and university expansion.
“Our overall enrollment has increased over the past two years, and we expect another increase for the upcoming fall semester,” Brussalis said. “What we are doing is absolutely working, and we will continue to aggressively grow Point Park as an institution and community partner.”
A significant area of impact for Point Park is tourism, as the University brings in prospective students and their families, as well as those attending cultural, sporting and other events. All of these people contribute to the economy through hotel stays, restaurant visits and other tourism-related spending. This includes NCAA Division II athletics, performances through the Conservatory of Performing Arts and the Pittsburgh Playhouse, events for alumni and donors, parking revenue generated for city-owned garages and parking taxes, special events, and other events hosted on campus or in collaboration with the University.
This year alone has seen the National High School Dance Festival, which brought more than 2,100 people from outside the region, and Springboard Danse’s annual three-week summer project, which runs into June and brings in top dancers and choreographers from around the world, to Downtown Pittsburgh.
“Point Park University plays a vital role in shaping the vibrancy of Downtown Pittsburgh — not only as a hub for academic excellence, but also as a catalyst for visitation,” said Jerad Bachar, president and CEO of VisitPITTSBURGH. “Between its academic offerings and public programming, Point Park continues to attract visitors, families and prospective students from across the country. We’re proud to have institutions like Point Park shaping our future.”
Current annual visitation numbers are estimated at 80,000 people per year, according to analysis of Point Park event data and Pittsburgh regional tourism reports. Those visitors currently generate about $22.4 million per year in local spending. Future annual visitation is expected to increase due in part to increased student enrollment and the impact of joining the Mountain East Conference in NCAA Division II for athletics, which increases the number of prospective students, athletes and fans to the region. Overall, visits are projected to increase to more than 139,000 annual visitors and $34.2 million in annual spending.
Fourth Economy also found that Point Park plays a vital role in shaping the social and cultural fabric of the Greater Pittsburgh region. It cited a commitment to accessible education, workforce preparation and partnerships with local organizations as ways Point Park enriches the region.
The study cites numerous examples of Point Park’s community impact, including the Bonner Leaders Program, the Department of Community Engagement & Leadership, Mobile Thriving Respite, student basic needs support, the Center for Media Innovation, a paraprofessionals-to-teachers initiative and Rising Brothers and Sisters.
“Point Park has long been committed to its role as a community partner, and we are taking clear steps to increase our impact,” said Brussalis, who led the development of the school’s current strategic plan, Pioneer Vision 2030, which includes provisions for community engagement. “Our brand-new Institute of Community Engagement will soon take steps to build on all of our good work and create an even stronger connection to the region.”