April 22, 2025
A new report from the Independent Colleges and Universities of Texas (ICUT) reveals that East Texas Baptist University contributed $120 million to the East Texas regional economy, emphasizing the University’s role as a vital driver of local economic growth, job creation, and workforce development.
According to ICUT’s 2024 Economic Impact Report, ETBU totaled $79 million in direct spending by the University, its students, employees, and visitors and $39 million in indirect and induced spending generated through local businesses and support services. Visitor spending reached $5 million, and the University invested $9 million in capital expenditures.
ETBU’s influence reaches beyond its campus and into the community’s broader economic ecosystem. The University’s economic contributions include $24 million in university purchases, $23 million in student spending, and $17 million in employee spending. Together, these activities supported the equivalent of 860 Texas jobs.
“East Texas Baptist University is committed to serving as both a Christ-centered institution of higher learning and a catalyst for community and economic vitality,” said Dr. J. Blair Blackburn, ETBU President. “We are proud that our presence in Marshall extends beyond our campus, supporting families, local businesses, and regional prosperity. This economic impact reflects the dedication of our students, faculty, staff, and alumni to living out their faith and vocation in meaningful ways across the East Texas region.”
The report also shows that ETBU alumni continue to invest in the region. Of recent graduates, 86% remain in Texas, generating $15 million in economic activity, strengthening the state’s workforce and economy.
This study is part of a larger effort led by ICUT, which represents 40 fully accredited, private nonprofit colleges and universities across the state. While the primary mission of these institutions is to educate, they also serve as vital economic engines in their communities. They employ thousands in fields such as finance, IT, housing, administration, and food service, while also contributing to Texas’ economy through operations, student attraction, and job creation.
In August 2024, ICUT commissioned Trellis Strategies to analyze the economic impact of its member institutions. The findings confirm that private nonprofit colleges not only enhance student success and career potential, but also play an essential role in the economic and social fabric of Texas.
As an ICUT member, ETBU is committed to advancing education and uplifting the region through meaningful investment, engagement, and Christ-centered leadership.
For more information on the ICUT report, visit www.icut.org.