BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) _ The North Dakota University System says its impact on the state's economy was worth $4.4 billion in fiscal 2011.
The university system's economic study says that's up from $3.7 billion in fiscal 2009.
The study estimated that the 11 state colleges and universities contributed $1.6 billion into local economies in fiscal 2011. The study says that money multiplies when cycled through the state's economy.
The system includes six four-year universities and five two-year colleges with an enrollment of about 48,000 students and more than 11,000 employees.