(KAIR)--$116.4 million generated for the local and state economy each year.

That’s the amount generated by Atchison-based Benedictine College, according to a new study focused on the economic impact of independent colleges.

According to a release from the college, “the study was commissioned for the 2021 calendar year by the Kansas Independent College Association...and was conducted by Parker Philips, a firm specializing in analyzing and quantifying the economic impact of businesses and organizations.

The release explains that Benedictine College is the largest employer in both the city and Atchison County and of the $116 million, nearly $60 million goes directly into the Atchison economy each year, making the college’s economic impact “sufficient to support 801 jobs, 341 directly and 460 indirectly.”

Among other findings outlined in the study, Benedictine College students spend $7 million annually with local businesses for groceries, rental accommodations, transportation, entertainment, and other purchases, while the college itself pays $6.7 million in state and local taxes each year.

The study was announced during Thursday’s Atchison Rotary Club meeting.

Benedictine College President Stephen Minnis, in the release, says the “study demonstrates just how truly powerful the contribution is that...Benedictine College students, faculty, alumni and the institution as a whole make to the Atchison community.”

The release notes that “Kansas private, non-profit colleges and universities contribute over $1 billion to the local, state and regional economies that would not otherwise occur if the colleges did not exist.”

Other highlights of the Economic Impact (FY21) study include:

• Benedictine College students spend $7 million annually with local businesses for groceries, rental accommodations, transportation, entertainment and more.

• Benedictine College attracts thousands of visitors to Atchison each year for school tours, college events or athletic competition. Their off-campus spending at hotels, restaurants, gas stations and other businesses added $1.6 million to the Atchison economy in the analysis year.

• Benedictine College pays $6.7 million in state and local taxes each year.

• Kansas private, non-profit colleges and universities contribute over $1 billion to the local, state and regional economies that would not otherwise occur if the colleges did not exist.

Further information can be found on the college website.

Founded in 1858, Benedictine College is a Catholic, Benedictine, residential, liberal arts college located on the bluffs above the Missouri River in Atchison, Kansas. The College is honored to have been named one of America’s Best Colleges by U.S. News & World Report as well as one of the top Catholic colleges in the nation by First Things magazine and the Newman Guide. It prides itself on outstanding academics, extraordinary faith life, strong athletic programs, and an exceptional sense of community and belonging. Benedictine College has a mission to educate men and women within a community of faith and scholarship.