The study, commissioned by the university and conducted by Tripp Umbach, a leading economic development impact analysis firm, examined the direct and indirect spending in Indiana as a result of IU and IU Health. Combined, the university and the health care system generated $5.9 billion in direct economic activity -- spending on goods, services and taxes by the institutions, their employees, students and visitors -- and another $5.6 billion in indirect or induced economic activity by those doing business with IU and IU Health.

The study included economic activity related to all IU campuses and IU Health operations across the state, and the data generated were the result of a "decidedly conservative" methodology followed by Tripp Umbach. Of the $11.5 billion in total economic impact generated by IU and IU Health in fiscal year 2010-11, $4.9 billion was generated by the university, with $6.6 billion being generated by IU Health. IU generated $2.3 billion in direct economic activity and $2.6 billion in indirect or induced activity, while IU Health generated $3.6 billion in direct economic impact and another $3 billion in indirect or induced spending.