Report: UNO Alumni Fuel $2.4 Billion Boost to Omaha’s Economy

University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) alumni are a multi-billion-dollar economic powerhouse, according to a new report.

➡️ What’s new:

• An economic impact study commissioned by the UNO Alumni Association and conducted by UNO Economics Professor Christopher Decker, Ph.D., found that degree-holding UNO alumni supported $2.4 billion in total economic impact, supported thousands of jobs, and generated hundreds of millions of dollars in tax revenue.

• This report is the first in the university’s 117-year history focused exclusively on the impact university alumni have on the Omaha metro area.

• View the full report on the UNO Alumni Association website.

💡 Why it matters: UNO is built to develop and retain Omaha talent.

• 85% of students are from the Omaha metro, with an NU System-best 67% of grads still living in Nebraska five years after graduation.

• UNO graduates carry the NU System’s lowest average student debt at $19,000, nearly half the national average.

• In a time when cities across the country are struggling with brain drain, UNO’s alumni are an engine of stability, growth, and community investment.

📈 By the numbers:

• 79,135 UNO alumni currently live in the Omaha metro area.

• $2.44 billion in total economic impact generated by UNO alumni in the Omaha metro in 2024.

• 12,459 jobs supported by alumni earnings and spending: 7,622 directly and 4,837 indirectly

• $974.86 million in total tax revenue generated, including income, payroll, property, and sales taxes

• $1.44 billion in direct local spending injected into the metro economy by UNO grads.

🎤 What they’re saying:

• Omaha Mayor John Ewing: “As a proud graduate of UNO and the mayor of this great city, I see the impact of our alumni every day in our businesses, in our classrooms, and in our neighborhoods. This report confirms what we’ve known for a long time: the strength of Omaha is the strength of its people. And thanks to UNO, we’re building a city that goes beyond developing talent. We keep it, nurture it, and prepare it to lead future generations. That’s the kind of future worth investing in.”

• Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA, UNO Chancellor: “This report proves what we’ve always known: UNO alumni are a driving force behind Omaha’s economy. Their impact sends a powerful message across the state and the country that Omaha is a place where families build futures and businesses thrive. This is one of America’s best cities, and Mavericks are at the heart of that story.”

• Anthony Flott, UNO Alumni Association Executive Director: “The Maverick network is more than a community. It’s a catalyst for growth that we can quantify for the first time ever. This report underscores the power of relationships built through UNO’s approach to mentorship, internships, and industry partnerships. The momentum we’re seeing is real, and it’s making an impact where it matters most: in careers, companies, and communities across Omaha.”

• Chris Decker, Ph.D., UNO Economics Professor: “Brain drain is a major problem for Nebraska. Yet, many, if not most, UNO graduates are bucking this trend. They choose to stay once they earn their degree. They invest their talents, energy, and resources in the Omaha community, becoming business and civic leaders. Our graduates are flipping the narrative from brain drain to brain gain, and that’s a game changer for the future of our city and our state.”

🌎 The Big Picture: This report reinforces UNO’s core mission to educate learners, drive economic mobility, and strengthen community partnerships. The measurable impact of alumni on jobs, tax revenue, and regional growth demonstrates clear alignment with UNO’s strategic pillars. UNO delivers hands-on, career-focused education and fosters strong local ties that help graduates stay, contribute, and lead in Nebraska communities.

Editor’s Note: This report has been updated throughout to correct economic impact outputs that resulted from a miscalculation of Ph.D. income increases. Table 1 of the report initially showed a $6.11 million total after tax income increase. The adjusted total is $4.16 million.