Southern Miss Drives $1.3 Billion Economic Impact Across Mississippi
Thu, 05/07/2026 - 09:33am | By: Jennifer Rigney
The University of Southern Mississippi generated an estimated $1.3 billion in total economic impact in fiscal year 2025, according to a newly released study, reinforcing its role as a key contributor to Mississippi’s economy.
The report outlines the university’s economic contributions through operations, student and visitor spending, capital investment and alumni outcomes. Altogether, these activities supported approximately 10,245 jobs statewide and generated $438 million in labor income.
“Southern Miss is transforming lives through education while strengthening Mississippi’s economy in tangible and lasting ways,” said Southern Miss President Dr. Joe Paul. “This report highlights the impact our university has on communities throughout the state and reflects the collective contributions of our students, faculty, staff and alumni.”
Conducted by the Trent Lott National Center for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship, the study highlights the university’s role as both a major employer and a catalyst for sustained economic growth. Southern Miss directly employs 4,469 faculty and staff, providing stable, high-quality careers that support families and communities across the region.
“Our team was pleased to provide this study and help quantify the important economic role Southern Miss plays across Mississippi,” said Brian Henson, director of the Trent Lott National Center. “The findings demonstrate the university’s broad economic footprint and its continued importance to the state’s economy. Through its operations, research activity, students, visitors, and talent development, Southern Miss supports jobs, strengthens business activity, and serves as a powerful driver of economic growth and opportunity throughout Mississippi.”
The university’s economic contributions are concentrated in two metropolitan areas that anchor its campuses:
- Hattiesburg Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA): $853 million in total economic impact, supporting 6,745 jobs and generating $283.7 million in labor income
- Gulfport–Biloxi MSA: $227.3 million in total economic impact, supporting 1,820 jobs and generating $78.1 million in labor income
These regional impacts reflect the university’s role in both inland and coastal economies and underscore its statewide reach.
The study identifies several key drivers behind the university’s economic impact:
- University Operations: Institutional spending and payroll that circulate through the economy
- Student Spending: Daily living and educational expenses that support local businesses
- Visitor Spending: Economic activity generated by events, conferences, athletics and campus visits
- Alumni Dividend: Increased lifetime earnings of graduates that fuel long-term economic growth
- Capital Investment: Infrastructure development that contributes to jobs and economic activity
- Government Revenue: State and local tax revenue generated through university-related economic activity
Together, these factors generate ripple effects across industries, supply chains and households, amplifying the university’s economic footprint year after year.
In addition to job creation and income generation, Southern Miss also contributed significantly to public revenues in fiscal year 2025, including $48.9 million in state taxes and $23.4 million in local taxes.
The findings reinforce The University of Southern Mississippi’s role in advancing workforce development, economic opportunity and community growth across Mississippi. Visit the Economic Impact website for more information or to download the full report.
Learn more about the Trent Lott National Center and its economic development training and research.