The Valparaiso University Department of Athletics and Collegiate Consulting have released a comprehensive valuation study demonstrating that Valpo Athletics provided an average annual economic impact of over $80 million over the past four years. During the four years studied, Valpo Athletics had a total economic impact of $320.11 million.
 
"Valpo Athletics engaged with Collegiate Consulting to help us quantify the impact that our presence as a Division-I athletic department makes on our University, city, region and state," Director of Athletics and Campus Recreation Laurel Hosmer said. "We have always known that serving as a front porch for our institution is one of our department's most important roles. The analysis provided by Collegiate Consulting in this study helps us take a data-driven approach to telling the story of our impact."


 
This study examined and analyzed various factors including media exposure, brand visibility, net tuition, event visitor data, student-athlete volunteerism and more. Category-specific direct and indirect multipliers were used in the calculations. Valpo games were viewed more than 300,000 times on ESPN+ during the past year and over a million times in the last four years. In the last four years, Valpo has been televised regionally through Gray Media and nationally on CBS Sports Network, FS1, Peacock, The CW, ESPNU and SEC Network.
 
The gameday and event economic impact of Valpo athletic events, camps and non-athletic events held in athletic venues over the past four years was $14.97 million. The athletics staff and student-athletes made a $55 million impact over the four-year timeframe, while the department also had a direct revenue impact of $18.62 million.


 
"This study defines facts and figures that show the power of athletics," Hosmer said. "As we continue to build and grow Valpo Athletics together, we assume an important responsibility of using Division-I athletics as a platform to shine a light on our campus and community."
 
Founded in 2005, Collegiate Consulting has worked with more than 750 universities, colleges, conferences and associations nationwide. The firm specializes in feasibility studies, strategic planning, enrollment analysis and economic valuations that help higher education institutions maximize both academic and athletic impact.
 
"Valparaiso University Athletics is an important driver of the institution's visibility, student experience, and regional impact," Collegiate Consulting Founder/Managing Director Russell Wright said. "This study demonstrates the significant value the Beacons bring to the University and Northwest Indiana, highlighting how athletics enhances the Valpo experience, strengthens community engagement, and generates meaningful economic activity throughout the region."