A New Economic Impact Report Measures Significant Contributions of NOLS to Fremont County and the State of Wyoming

A recently published economic impact report details the substantial contributions of NOLS to the economies of Wyoming and Fremont County through direct, indirect, and induced economic activities during the 2024 fiscal year.

The report, conducted by the Center for Business and Economic Analysis (CBEA) at the University of Wyoming (UW), highlights NOLS’ significant role as an economic driver in the region. It found that NOLS has an overall economic output of over $18.77 million, underscoring its commitment to the local community and the state.

“NOLS contributed significantly to Wyoming’s economy in 2024, directly or indirectly supporting 153 jobs,” stated Morgan Holland, Senior Research Analyst, Center for Business and Economic Analysis at the University of Wyoming. “In addition, NOLS was one of the top eight employers in Fremont County with 106 full-time equivalent jobs. On top of contributing significantly to Wyoming’s economy through operations, NOLS draws visitors from around the world, supporting Wyoming’s visitor economy and culture of outdoor recreation.”

One of the Top Employers

According to the report, in Fremont County, NOLS employed 142 staff members, more than 99.3% of establishments, making it one of the top eight employers.

Higher Than Median Income

NOLS median pay is $8,400 more than the overall median pay in Fremont County. These figures demonstrate the significant role NOLS plays in supporting local employment and contributing to the area’s economic vitality.

“In early 2025, the UW Center for Business and Economic Analysis was asked to provide an economic impact report for NOLS. We were happy to do so, and the analysis shows the significant impact that NOLS has on Fremont County’s economy as well as the broader Wyoming economy,” shared David Aadland, Professor of Economics and Director, Center for Business and Economic Analysis at the University of Wyoming. “NOLS is responsible for supporting over 150 jobs in Wyoming and attracts visitors from around the world to learn leadership skills and wilderness medicine from world-class instructors.”

The Multiplier Impact

In addition to direct employment, NOLS’ operations have a multiplier effect on the local economy. The influx of students, instructors, and staff contributes to increased demand for local services, including lodging, dining, and retail, thereby supporting a wide range of businesses in the region.

“I was delighted to learn that NOLS commissioned UW’s Center for Business and Economic Analysis to conduct a report on its economic impact on Fremont County and Wyoming,” stated Owen Sweeney, CEO of Lander Chamber of Commerce. “Unsurprisingly, the study found that NOLS provides a significant financial contribution to our local and regional economies. Lander has long been proud to be the home of such a well-respected institution, and now Landerites can be confident that NOLS is a significant contributor to our economy.”

Attracting Students, Instructors & Visitors

NOLS also has a notable global presence, attracting students and instructors from around the world. During the 2024 fiscal year, NOLS had 1,211 expedition students and 966 wilderness medicine students from all 50 states traveling to Wyoming for courses, often resulting in lifelong connections to the state and local communities.

According to the report, “NOLS contributes to the tourist economy in Wyoming beyond the visitor spending reported here by introducing students to outdoor recreation opportunities that may cause them to return to Wyoming for future recreation visits.”

The overall visitor impacts, including accommodations, food service, retail sales, and travel, totaled over $859,000.

“Our economic impact report clearly illustrates that NOLS doesn’t just transform the lives of our students; we are a dynamic force driving growth in the Lander and Fremont communities and throughout Wyoming. With salaries that surpass the median, and one of the larger employers in Fremont County, we are proud to play a significant role in fostering economic vitality and opportunity, while simultaneously showcasing the essential value of outdoor education in building strong, prosperous communities.”

Sandy Colhoun, NOLS President

Emergency Medical Training Through Wilderness Medicine

In addition, some other aspects that indirectly impact the economy include NOLS Wilderness Medicine providing emergency medical training to the University of Wyoming Medical School’s first-year class, the Fremont Search and Rescue team, and Shoshone National Forest rangers, resulting in over 450 emergency medical technicians (EMTs) being annually trained and qualified to work in the state of Wyoming.

Rich Majerus, NOLS Vice President of Expeditions, who coordinated with the CBEA at UW, summed up the findings by saying, “The team from the University of Wyoming’s Center for Business and Economic Analysis brought impressive sophistication and clear expertise to this analysis to quantify NOLS’ economic impact. We are thankful for the opportunity to partner with our home state’s research university to understand the annual economic impact that NOLS has in Fremont County and the state of Wyoming.”

To read the full Contribution of the National Outdoor Leadership School to Wyoming’s Economy Report, please visit https://www.uwyo.edu/cbea/_files/documents/nols-economic-impact.pdf