Our Economic Impact

A map depicting the state of Texas. There is a small, deep red circle centered over Huntsville, Texas and a larger, lighter-red circle that surrounds the smaller deep red circle.

Sam Houston State University creates value in many ways. In fact, according to a new economic impact study for fiscal year 2019-2020, SHSU added $2.4 billion in income to the Texas economy, the equivalent to supporting 30,788 jobs.

  • $2.4 billion – Total Economic Impact
  • $2.0 billion – Alumni impact
  • $209.1 million – Operations spending impact
  • $47.0 million – Construction spending impact
  • $41.2 million – Student spending impact
  • $13.4 million – Research spending impact
  • $1.5 million – Visitor spending impact

Economic Impact: Walker County

Sam Houston State University added $335.8 million in income to the local economy, which is equivalent to approximately 15 percent of the county’s total gross regional product. When expressed in terms of jobs, SHSU’s total economic impact supported 6,090 county jobs.

Close to 96 percent of SHSU students originated outside the county. While enrolled, these students spent money on groceries, accommodations, transportation and other household expenses. This spending generated $61.8 million in added income for the county economy in FY 2019-20, supporting 1,708 jobs in Walker County.

Economic Impact: Montgomery County

SHSU’s total economic impact added $217.3 million in income to the Montgomery County economy. SHSU alumni employed in Montgomery County account for a large part of the total economic impact, helping generate $58.7 million in added income for the county, equivalent to supporting 821 jobs.

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