CLEMSON, S.C. - Clemson University has a more than $6.4 billion impact on the state of South Carolina.

That was the result of an independent economic study by the Board of Trustees. The study was released earlier this week found that for every dollar the state invested in Clemson, $35 were generated in economic output.

According to the study, a number of contributing factors impact Clemson's economic footprint far beyond enrollment and tuition. Some of those factors include capital investment, workforce development, athletics events and visitor spending.

Research is also driving the impact. The school is reporting more than $300 million spent on research for the past fiscal year.

Another contributing factor is the retention of Clemson University alums who stay in South Carolina. More than half of the graduates remain in the state, with a median income of more than $70,000.

Beyond the state, 98% of alums are employed across the U.S. That number contributes to the more than $10 billion in economic impact across the entire U.S.

“Since Clemson’s doors opened in 1889, our University has strived to provide high-quality education and impactful research to the citizens of the state of South Carolina, and our land-grant mission also drives us to improve the lives and economic prosperity of our state." Said Jim Clements, President of Clemson University. "Through our combined efforts in all 46 counties across the state, Clemson is elevating South Carolina to new heights.”