Berea College engaged Younger Associates to evaluate the economic impact of its operations on Madison County, Kentucky, during the 2023–2024 academic year. This analysis quantifies the annual contributions from capital investments, ongoing operations, and related activities. Impacts are expressed in terms of jobs, wages, and local tax revenues, both direct and indirect. Additionally, the report includes the projected impact of visitors and overnight guests from outside Madison County.

The analysis is based on a model of the Madison County economy utilizing data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. County-specific Regional Input-Output Multipliers (RIMS II) were applied to determine economic impact in terms of total economic output, employment, earnings, and local tax revenues attributable to Berea College.

While Berea College generates economic benefits across a broader region, this study focuses specifically on Madison County. It is intended to provide local leaders and elected officials with a comprehensive understanding of the College’s economic significance in the community.

For the 2023–2024 academic year, Berea College generated an annual economic impact of approximately $228.7 million in Madison County. This figure represents the total value of dollars flowing through the local economy due to the College’s presence and related operations. Read the full report below.