The opening of the prison has a large impact on the local economy. Midwestern State University provides a quality education to 5,500 students each semester. Baccalaureate degrees are offered in 70 disciplines, with five master degree programs. Popular areas of study include business administration, fine arts, music, criminal justice, medical technology, nursing, interdisciplinary studies, radiological science and social work. Sheppard AFB serves as home to many educational programs.
Courses are open to both the civilian and military communities.
In addition, Wayland Baptist offers undergraduate degrees in business administration and vocational education and masters degrees in education and management at the base. School districts are among the area's largest employers. Enrollment in the metro topped 24,400. The Texas Education Agency reported that the area's school districts employed 2,770. Manufacturing Wichita Falls is more manufacturing intensive that the state as a whole.