Supported by JCERT, KU Edwards Campus Boosts Johnson County’s Economic Future, Studies Show

Since it opened in 1993, the KU Edwards Campus (KUEC) has driven significant growth in Johnson County’s economy. According to the JCERT 15-Year Economic Impact Report completed in March 2025, KUEC’s JCERT-supported undergraduate and graduate degree programs have added more than $718 million to the Kansas City area’s economy over 20 years. That includes supporting about 206 jobs each year and boosting personal incomes by $350 million.

Workforce Development and Community Impact
According to additional JCERT reporting, KU Edwards graduates have added more than $652 million to the economy and $490 million in personal income gains. That means students who earn degrees from KUEC are landing better jobs and increasing their incomes.

KUEC leaders also work closely with local businesses, nonprofits and government agencies to ensure that academic programs match what employers need. These partnerships help keep the workforce strong and future-ready.

Another new study underscores KUEC’s impact as part of a larger “One KU” initiative that brings all KU classroom locations closer together to encourage teamwork across campuses and strengthen the University’s overall effectiveness.

Conducted by global analytics firm Lightcast, the study encompasses the activities of all KU campuses, as well as KU Medical Center campuses in Kansas City, Wichita and Salina and The University of Kansas Health System. It found KU has an annual $7.8 billion economic impact in Kansas and a $10.4 billion impact on the Kansas City area. Additionally, the study finds that KU supports nearly 88,000 Kansas jobs and more than 108,000 jobs in the metro.

As the primary campus in Johnson County, KUEC plays a major role in contributing to KU’s success and economic impact in the state and Kansas City area. See the Kansas City Metro Executive Summary or the full economic impact study at impact.ku.edu.

How JCERT Supports KU Edwards 
JCERT was created by a 1/8-cent sales tax approved by voters in 2008. Since then, JCERT has invested nearly $30 million in the KU Edwards Campus. This support has helped launch more than 35 degree and certificate programs aimed at helping people get the skills local employers need.

JCERT also funds scholarships to help make college more affordable, especially for working adults juggling jobs, families and classes. The scholarships help these students move ahead in their careers and increase the number of workforce-ready college graduates.

Shaping the Future of Johnson County
As Johnson County continues to grow, KU Edward Campus is helping to make sure the area’s workforce grows with it. With support from JCERT, the campus can keep adding programs and providing opportunities that align with the needs of students and employers.