North Dakota Colleges, Universities Have $4.4 Billion Impact

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.