Quantifying the Value of Higher Education

Economic Impact Studies by Trellis Strategies

At Trellis Strategies, we help institutions and associations tell a powerful story – one backed by data. Our Economic Impact Studies reveal how colleges and universities drive economic growth, shape local and statewide labor markets, and generate value far beyond the classroom.

Whether you’re looking to influence public policy, strengthen your advocacy efforts, or validate strategic expansion, our studies provide the compelling evidence you need.

We use widely accepted economic modeling tools and regional multipliers to assess direct, indirect, and induced impact—ensuring our analyses stand up to policy and public scrutiny

  • Institutional operations and capital expenditures
  • Student, staff, and visitor spending
  • Alumni wage premiums
  • Indirect and induced economic activity
  • Custom regional or institution-specific impact reports
  • Executive summaries and public-friendly one-pagers
  • Data visualizations and infographics
  • Workforce alignment and labor market insights
  • Strategic presentation support for key stakeholders
  • Demonstrate institutional value in economic terms
  • Support policy engagement and funding advocacy
  • Strengthen grant applications and donor outreach
  • Inform institutional growth and planning decisions

Case Study Highlight

Independent Colleges and Universities of Texas (ICUT)

Trellis Strategies partnered with a statewide association representing 39 independent colleges and universities to assess their collective economic footprint.

Key Findings

  • $17.2 billion contributed to the Texas economy in FY2022
  • $7.6 billion in direct institutional, student, and visitor spending
  • $2.3 billion in alumni wage gains
  • Nearly 120,000 jobs supported across Texas
  • High-impact sectors included healthcare, real estate, finance, and retail

This analysis became a critical tool for legislative advocacy, communications, and strategic positioning.

“Working with Trellis Strategies and their excellent staff was a highlight of producing this report. We appreciated everyone’s responsiveness and openness to approaching problems creatively. Our report has been well-received, and we are grateful to Trellis for helping us make it happen!”

Elizabeth Puthoff
President of Independent Colleges and Universities of Texas.

Planning for Growth: Regional Opportunity Assessments

Colleges are navigating a changing landscape—shifting demographics, enrollment uncertainty, and evolving workforce needs. Trellis Strategies partners with institutions to evaluate regional expansion opportunities, optimize physical site strategies, and align programs with economic demand.

Our feasibility assessments consider:

  • Commute time sensitivity and access gaps—even in areas with strong public transit coverage
  • Neighborhood-level disparities in enrollment and matriculation, including underserved urban zones
  • Growth trends among adults with no degree, especially in cities with untapped re-engagement potential
  • Misalignment between academic offerings and high-demand regional job sectors like healthcare and logistics
  • Site recommendations that reduce internal competition and foster partnerships with local education systems

We provide data-driven insights to help you make informed decisions about where and how to grow—starting small or scaling strategically.

Let’s Tell Your Story

Ready to quantify your institution’s impact or explore a new growth opportunity?

We’ll help you:

  • Show the return on investment of higher education
  • Build a case for policy and philanthropic support
  • Translate economic data into compelling narratives

Contact Our Research Team