Texas Higher Education Investment Generates Strong Returns

Studies have repeatedly shown the positive impact higher education has on the state and local economies. A new report from the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts illustrates how higher education fortifies the Texas economy with $33.2 billion a year. Every dollar spent by the state on higher education returns $5.50 to the Texas economy, according to the February 2005 report. Key findings include:

• Spending and re-spending of out-of-state higher education student, research and health care expenditures add $10.1 billion per year to state economic output.
• The higher earnings and productivity of higher education's students eventually increases state economic capacity by another $23.1 billion per year.

Special Report - Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
The Impact of the State Higher Education System on the Texas Economy