Sam Houston State University (SHSU) is a vital contributor to Texas’ economy. A recent economic impact study for fiscal year 2022-2023 reveals that SHSU added $3.9 billion in income to the state, supporting the equivalent of 48,466 jobs.
Conducted by the labor market data company Lightcast, the study examined SHSU’s influence in Walker County, Montgomery County and Texas as a whole, assessing the impact of the university’s operations, research, construction, visitor and student spending and the enhanced productivity of its alumni.
As the location of SHSU’s main campus, Walker County saw an income boost of $317.6 million from the university, representing approximately 12.1 percent of the county’s gross regional product. In terms of employment, SHSU’s activities supported 4,436 jobs in Walker County, meaning one in every nine jobs in the county are linked to SHSU.
SHSU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine and The Woodlands Center, both in Montgomery County, further broaden SHSU’s economic reach. Combined with employees, students and alumni residing in the area, SHSU contributed $308.5 million to Montgomery County’s economy in the study period, supporting 4,370 jobs.
