ELKINS, W.Va. — Davis & Elkins College generates an estimated $63.8 million in statewide economic output and supports approximately 530 jobs, according to a 2025 economic impact report from West Virginia Independent Colleges & Universities.
The findings highlight the college’s economic role in Elkins and the surrounding community through institutional operations, employee payroll, student and visitor spending, and investments in campus facilities. The college’s total estimated impact includes $25.9 million in labor earnings and $40.4 million in value added to West Virginia’s economy.
Institutional operations account for the largest share of the impact, generating an estimated $33.9 million in total economic output and supporting approximately 321 jobs. Capital and facility spending contributes another $16.5 million in economic output and supports approximately 93 jobs.
Students and visitors also contribute to economic activity beyond campus. The report estimates $7.1 million in direct student spending, generating $11.5 million in total economic output and supporting approximately 101 jobs. Visitor and event spending accounts for $1.2 million in direct spending, producing an estimated $1.9 million in total output and supporting approximately 15 jobs.
These spending streams illustrate how the college’s presence connects to the broader economy, supporting businesses and employment through purchases, campus activity and spending by people who study, work at or visit D&E.
The report estimates $39.6 million in direct economic impact from college operations, student and visitor spending, and capital activity. An additional $9.2 million comes from supplier and business-to-business activity, while $15 million reflects household spending supported by wages and earnings.
The analysis uses college-supplied data for 2025-26 and the West Virginia Regional Input-Output Modeling System, or RIMS II, multiplier framework. Student and visitor spending assumptions incorporate a comparable independent-college benchmark from Parker Strategy Group.
The estimates reflect statewide economic activity associated with Davis & Elkins College, rather than spending confined to Elkins or Randolph County. They demonstrate how the college’s local presence contributes to employment, business activity and economic opportunity across West Virginia.