Advocate: Study: LSU’s economic impact big

An LSU study released Wednesday contends LSU generates more than $1.2 billion annually for the region — or 3 percent of the Baton Rouge metro area’s gross domestic product.

The study, titled “The Economic Impact of Louisiana State University on the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Statistical Area,” looks at factors such as jobs created, sales generated, residents drawn to the area and research dollars attracted because of the presence of the state’s flagship university.

LSU Chancellor Michael Martin said the study presents a strong case against $219 million in proposed cuts to the state’s higher education. That includes $102 million – about 15 percent of its state funding – from the LSU System and $34 million from the main LSU campus.

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