Economic Impact

Advancing our region through economic development

IU Indianapolis is one of several anchor institutions in Indianapolis—enduring organizations that remain in a geographic place and play an integral role in the community and economy. As such, we are conscious that decisions we make can improve the quality of life and economic future of the region.

Our university is committed to nurturing community partnerships with companies and organizations to advance our region’s economy. As the Office of Community Engagement, it’s our role to serve as the campus lead for anchor institution initiatives in support of university, campus, and community goals.

Every year, IU Indianapolis spends hundreds of millions of dollars purchasing goods and services, hiring employees, and supporting students. We work hard to ensure as much of that as possible stays here in Indiana.

In 2014, Greenstreet Ltd. conducted a study on behalf of the Indy Chamber that identified IUPUI’s (IUPUI transitioned to IU Indianapolis in 2024) overall economic impact in 2013 as a total of $253,661,313.

Here’s how that breaks down.

Revitalizing neighborhoods

In an effort to revitalize the neighborhoods around campus, we launched an anchor housing program which provides incentives to employees to purchase or rehabilitate a home near campus.