As the youngest institution in the Texas A&M University System, Texas A&M University-San Antonio is a powerful economic engine in Bexar County and beyond. According to a recent economic impact analysis by Lightcast, the University contributed $292.6 million to the Bexar County economy in fiscal year 2022–23—an amount equivalent to supporting 3,242 local jobs. That’s nearly double A&M-San Antonio’s $166.3 million economic impact in FY 2018-19, illustrating the University’s remarkable growth over the past several years.
Boosting the local economy & workforce
A&M-San Antonio fuels the regional economy via operational spending, student expenditures, and the increased earning power of its alumni. The University in FY 2022-23 spent $68.8 million on payroll for nearly 800 full- and part-time faculty and staff, with much of that income reinvested into the community through local spending. Additional expenses totaling $46.7 million for facilities, supplies, and services brought the operations spending impact to $98 million, which can also be viewed as supporting 1,036 jobs in the county.
In that same year, spending by out-of-county and retained students on housing, groceries, and various services generated $12.9 million in additional income. The most substantial contribution came from alumni, through the education and knowledge they gained while at A&M-San Antonio. As a result, graduates receive higher earnings and increase the productivity of businesses they work for—generating $181.8 million in added income for the county.
In addition to preparing students for in-demand jobs, the University is strengthening and shaping the future workforce across multiple sectors. Alumni are working in key roles as educators, IT professionals, managers, accountants, and more. Their knowledge and skills enhance productivity and innovation in local industries, filling critical workforce gaps and fueling economic growth.
“This report supports what we have long known to be true, that the South Side, San Antonio and Bexar County are supported and strengthened by our presence,” said A&M-San Antonio President Salvador Hector Ochoa. “We are an economic powerhouse for our region, and we expect to see this impact grow exponentially over the years.”
Creating wealth for our students
For investing in their education and future, A&M-San Antonio’s students can expect to see a combined $427 million in increased earnings over their working lives. That translates to a 30.2% average annual rate of return on their investment. On average, an A&M-San Antonio graduate earns $28,500 more annually than someone with only a high school diploma. Over a lifetime, this equates to $1.2 million in added income per graduate.
“Our students aren’t just earning degrees—they’re building a foundation for lifelong financial stability,” said Provost Mohamed Abdelrahman. “Our mission is to serve as a pathway to success and prosperity, particularly for first-generation and underserved students.”
Taxpayer Returns
Public investment in A&M-San Antonio yields impactful benefits for taxpayers. For the $94.7 million A&M-San Antonio received in state funding in FY 2022-23, taxpayers will receive double that in return. By the end of the FY 2022-23 students’ working lives, the state government will have collected $153.5 million in added taxes. Moreover, upwardly mobile A&M-San Antonio students and graduates rely less on government services like health care, the justice system, and income assistance, generating $37.2 million in savings to taxpayers, for a total benefit value of $190.8 million.
Major Benefits to Texas
The overall economic benefits extend to the broader Texas society as well. These societal benefits come from an increased economic base and the savings generated by improving the lives of our students. Altogether, the social benefits of A&M-San Antonio equal a present value of $2.6 billion, compared to $2.1 billion in 2018-19, an increase of $500 million. This total includes added student and business income, University activity income, and social savings, all of which helps create a more prosperous economy across generations. Added student income alone is estimated to be at $1.5 billion.
The results of the economic impact study demonstrate that A&M-San Antonio is a strong investment for students, taxpayers, and society.
“As one of the fastest-growing institutions in the Texas A&M University System, A&M-San Antonio’s impact extends far beyond Bexar County,” said Ochoa. “Today, we have more than 8,000 students who come from 30 states, Puerto Rico, and 24 countries. As we experience record-breaking enrollment and develop state-of-the-art campus facilities, we are educating future leaders and serving as a catalyst for economic development, community stability, and improving the area’s overall quality of life.”
Visit our website to learn more about A&M-San Antonio’s economic impact and to read the report.