The University of Arizona is providing a major benefit to the bottom line of Arizona businesses and organizations, according to a study (PDF) commissioned by the Arizona Board of Regents. The results illustrate the true economic impact a public university can have, ranging from dollars spent by visitors to the economic benefits of the jobs and research the school supports.

The overall numbers paint a powerful economic picture. The research, from Scottsdale-based Elliott D. Pollack & Co. and The Maguire Company Inc. in Phoenix, suggests the University of Arizona's economic impact for fiscal year 2017 topped $4.1 billion.

"This impact certainly raises the economic prosperity of Southern Arizona," said Larry Penley, chair of the Arizona Board of Regents. "But the university's land-grant responsibilities extend that impact throughout the state."

Among the biggest drivers of the multibillion-dollar impact is the university's research enterprise. The study pegs UA research spending at $622.2 million, ranking it 21st among all public universities in the United States. Research spending accounts for nearly one-third of total expenditures at the UA.

The reach of research dollars spans well beyond university labs. As the university spends money on equipment, supplies, contracts and more, it benefits Arizona's economy and sparks further activity. The study estimates the economic output in the state as the result of the UA's research at more than $1 billion, ranking it first among Arizona's public universities.