14 STUDENT SPENDING IMPACT The spending by students represents a significant economic force in Webb County. In FY24, TAMIU served 9,515 students, with 70% (6,661) attending full-time and 30% part-time. Our analysis focuses on student spending, which can be directly attributed to TAMIU’s presence in the region. We estimate that 35% of full-time students (2,331) would have left Webb County to pursue education elsewhere if TAMIU did not exist. Additionally, 262 students moved to Webb County from other states and countries specifically to attend TAMIU. Together these 2,593 students contribute to the local economy through their daily expenses. In Table 7.1, we estimate the average annual student spending at $2,961 per student. This total comprises personal expenses of $2,206 and average transportation costs of $755 for students living on and off campus. TABLE 7.1: TAMIU Student Spending per Semester Source: TAMIU STUDENT EXPENSES RESIDENT ONCAMPUS RESIDENT AT HOME WITH PARENT NON-RESIDENT ON-CAMPUS Tuition & Fees $9,496 $9,496 $23,930 Books, Course Materials, Supplies & Equipment $1,270 $1,270 $1,270 Living Expenses $10,826 $6,520 $10,826 Transportation $516 $994 $516 Miscellaneous Personal Expenses $2,206 $2,206 $2,206 TOTAL EXPENSES $24,314 $20,486 $38,748 Our analysis excludes room and board expenses since these are either captured in TAMIU’s operational impact (for on-campus students) or minimized because many off-campus students live with family.The total off-campus spending by these students generated $7.6 million in sales for Webb County businesses. Table 7.2 details how this spending created $6.4 million in added income for the Webb County economy, supporting 104 jobs.
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