(The Center Square) – As parents make tuition payments to Missouri’s universities, they might wonder about their taxes paying for multi-story laboratory buildings and salaries of researchers.
Earlier this year, the University of Missouri-Columbia announced an increase in research expenditures for the 10th consecutive year with a record $462 million. Research expenditures were $236 million in 2013.
Tripp Umbach, a national consulting firm, estimated research conducted at the Columbia campus generates almost $1 billion annually for the Missouri economy. Approximately $55 million in state and local taxes can be attributed to the university’s research and more than 6,800 jobs, according to the consultant.
“The millions of dollars in tax money allocated to university research represent an investment in the future of Missouri,” Thomas Spencer, vice chancellor for research and economic development at the University of Missouri-Columbia, wrote in an email to The Center Square. “It supports economic development, enhances public health, fosters educational excellence, drives innovation, and addresses critical local issues. This comprehensive approach ensures that the benefits of research funding are felt across the state.”
The Higher Education Research and Development Survey from the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics rated the University of Missouri-Columbia 70th in the nation in research and development expenditures in 2022, the latest information available. The Columbia campus was ranked 88th in federal research funding with $182.4 million, up from $117 million in 2010.
Johns Hopkins University was the top-ranked institution with $3 billion in total research, including $2 billion in federally funded research. The total amount was $97.7 billion with 637 institutions surveyed.
Washington University in St. Louis had the largest amount of research expenditures in Missouri, according to the survey. The private university was ranked 26th in 2022 with $1.04 billion in total research expenditures and ranked 17th in federally financed expenditures with $681 million.
Spencer said the University of Missouri uses multiple approaches to ensure oversight of funds and accountability.
“Through stringent compliance measures, transparent reporting, regular audits, comprehensive training, dedicated oversight committees, advanced management systems, collaborative efforts, and a strong ethical framework, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of stewardship for the funds entrusted to us,” Spencer said. “This commitment not only ensures the effective use of resources, but also upholds the trust and confidence of our federal grant makers and other stakeholders.”
The university receives approximately $1 billion annually in state funding. Last month, University of Missouri President Mun Choi announced the elimination of the “Inclusion, Diversity and Equity” office due to bills in the Missouri legislature prohibiting diversity, equity and inclusion departments and services. He noted 14 states had bills to eliminate DEI in addition to 13 bills addressing the subject in the Missouri legislature.
Here are the rankings and amounts of other Missouri public universities according to the 2022 Higher Education Research and Development Survey:
Missouri University of Science and Technology: 207th with $53.4 million; 206th with $28.8 million from federal;
University of Missouri-Kansas City: 208th with $52.6 million; 197th with $31.1 million from federal;
University of Missouri-St. Louis: 327th with $31.2 million; 356th with $4.6 million from federal;
Lincoln University: 337th with $11.5 million; 301st with $8.9 million from federal;
Missouri State University: 339th with $11.2 million; 286th with $ 10 million from federal.