Ersys Logo Ersys Name
Autauga County – Colleges/Universities 2023-2024

Picture of valves

Universities play a crucial role in shaping local economies by driving employment, fostering business growth, attracting investment, and enhancing the overall quality of life in their host communities. Their economic impact extends beyond direct spending to include long-term benefits such as workforce development, innovation, and cultural enrichment. Below, we explore the key ways in which a university influences a local economy.

  1. Direct Employment and Spending A university is often one of the largest employers in a local area, providing jobs for faculty, administrative staff, maintenance workers, and other professionals. These employees spend their salaries on housing, groceries, transportation, and entertainment, injecting money into the local economy. Additionally, universities spend significant amounts on construction, utilities, and local services, further stimulating business activity.

    Students also contribute to local spending. Many bring outside money into the community through tuition payments, federal aid, and personal expenditures on rent, food, and retail. A large student population can sustain businesses such as bookstores, coffee shops, restaurants, and housing providers.

  2. Business Development and Entrepreneurship Universities often serve as hubs for innovation and entrepreneurship. Research institutions, business incubators, and technology transfer offices help commercialize academic research, leading to startup formation and industry partnerships. For example, Stanford University's role in Silicon Valley's growth demonstrates how academic institutions can spur regional economic development.

    Local businesses benefit from university partnerships, including procurement contracts for supplies, catering, and maintenance services. Furthermore, universities attract conferences, sporting events, and cultural activities that generate tourism revenue for hotels, restaurants, and transportation services.

  3. Human Capital and Workforce Development A well-educated workforce is essential for economic competitiveness. Universities produce graduates with specialized skills that attract high-paying industries, such as technology, healthcare, and finance. Many graduates remain in the area, filling critical roles in local businesses and government.

    Universities also offer continuing education programs, professional certifications, and workforce training initiatives that help upskill local employees, making the regional labor market more adaptable to industry changes.

  4. Real Estate and Infrastructure Growth The presence of a university can drive demand for housing, both from students and faculty. This often leads to the development of new apartments, condominiums, and mixed-use commercial spaces. Over time, universities contribute to urban revitalization by investing in campus expansions, public transit improvements, and community amenities like libraries and parks.

    However, rapid growth can also lead to challenges, such as rising housing costs and gentrification, which may displace long-term residents. Local governments must balance economic expansion with policies that ensure affordable housing and equitable development.

  5. Cultural and Social Contributions Beyond economics, universities enrich local culture through arts programs, public lectures, and athletic events. These activities improve residents' quality of life, making the area more attractive to businesses and skilled workers. A vibrant university town often sees increased property values and a more diverse, engaged community.


Conclusion

The economic impact of a university on a local economy is multifaceted, encompassing job creation, business growth, talent development, and infrastructure investment. While challenges such as affordability and displacement must be managed, the long-term benefits-including innovation, increased tax revenues, and a more dynamic workforce-make universities vital engines of regional prosperity. By fostering collaboration between academia, government, and industry, communities can maximize these advantages while ensuring inclusive growth.
 
Selma University
South University-Montgomery  
Amridge University  
Huntingdon College  
H Councill Trenholm State Community College  
George C Wallace State Community College-Selma  
Faulkner University  
Alabama State University  
Auburn University at Montgomery  
Percent admitted - total
Admissions yield - total

Full-time enrollment
Part-time enrollment

Total  enrollment
% White
% Black
% Asian
% Hispanic
% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
% American Indian or Alaska Native
% two or more races
% Race/ethnicity unknown
% U.S. Nonresident

Undergraduate enrollment
% under 18
% 18-24
% 25-64
% over 65

Graduate enrollment

Student-to-faculty ratio

Tuition and fees, 2020-21
2021-22
2022-23
2023-24

Total price for
In-district students living on campus  2023-24
In-state students living on campus 2023-24
Out-of-state students living on campus 2023-24

In-district students living off campus (no family)  2023-24
In-state students living off campus (no family)  2023-24
Out-of-state students living off campus (no family)  2023-24

In-district students living off campus (w/ family)  2023-24
In-state students living off campus (w/ family)  2023-24
Out-of-state students living off campus (w/ family)  2023-24

Associate's degree
Bachelor's degree
Master's degree
Doctor's degree - research/scholarship
Doctor's degree - professional practice
Doctor's degree - other

Instructional FTE
Research FTE
Public Service FTE
Librarians, Curators, and Archivists FTE
Student/Academic Affairs and Other Education Services FTE
Management FTE
Business and Financial Operations FTE
Computer, Engineering, and Science FTE
Community Service, Legal, Arts, and Media FTE
Healthcare FTE
Service FTE
Sales and Related FTE
Office and Administrative Support FTE
Natural Resources, Construction, and Maintenance FTE
Production, Transportation, and Material Moving FTE
Total FTE staff
93
20

3,233
1,956

5,189
33
35
2
1
0
0
3
1
23

3,407
10
69
20
0

1,782

15

8,860
8,860
9,100
9,436


22,782
22,782
33,438

28,176
28,176
38,832

15,414
15,414
26,070

0
704
512
0
3
0

263
0
7
12
21
78
25
39
60
2
43
0
94
0
3
647
96
19

3,337
533

3,870
4
89
0
1
0
0
1
2
2

3,322
2
91
7
0

548

16

11,068
11,068
11,068
11,248


23,930
23,930
32,258

25,298
25,298
33,626

17,978
17,978
26,306

0
475
100
4
22
0

243
8
0
21
97
45
38
38
95
8
86
6
91
38
0
814
66
20

2,160
773

2,933
54
32
1
4
0
1
2
3
3

1,793
13
46
41
0

1,140

13

22,990
23,490
23,920
23,920


38,340
38,340
38,340

38,340
38,340
38,340

30,320
30,320
30,320

10
436
319
0
37
0

182
0
0
11
31
29
5
9
62
1
13
0
39
0
0
382
NA
NA

535
1,400

1,935
20
73
1
2
0
0
3
0
1

1,935
53
33
14
0

0

15

4,560
4,560
4,620
4,680


NA
NA
NA

28,080
28,080
31,890

17,080
17,080
20,890

270
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

61
0
0
0
13
31
1
1
11
0
12
0
40
1
0
171
NA
NA

822
1,085

1,907
17
73
1
6
0
0
3
0
0

1,907
16
52
32
1

0

16

4,770
4,770
4,830
4,890


NA
NA
NA

26,542
26,542
30,352

11,890
11,890
15,700

172
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

73
0
0
2
7
14
6
2
0
0
5
0
45
4
0
158
71
17

852
17

869
66
20
0
6
0
1
5
2
0

866
2
98
1
0

3

14

27,900
27,900
28,350
28,650


41,940
41,940
41,940

39,940
39,940
39,940

31,018
31,018
31,018

0
173
5
0
0
0

54
0
0
4
8
18
5
3
62
6
8
2
5
5
0
180
NA
NA

261
375

636
39
56
1
2
1
1
0
1
0

226
0
14
84
3

410

12

NA
NA
NA
NA


NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

27
40
87
17
0
0

31
0
0
2
6
0
7
5
0
0
0
0
11
0
0
62
NA
NA

228
91

319
17
79
1
1
0
0
1
1
1

302
0
28
72
0

17

13

17,014
17,014
17,014
18,238


NA
NA
NA

36,577
36,577
36,577

25,279
25,279
25,279

32
42
22
0
0
0

18
0
0
1
12
5
1
0
0
0
2
0
2
0
0
41
NA
NA

16
44

60
0
100
0
0
0
0
0
0
0

47
0
19
79
2

13

3

4,800
4,800
4,800
4,800


11,600
11,600
11,600

14,000
14,000
14,000

8,100
8,100
8,100

2
6
7
0
0
0

9
0
0
0
6
0
1
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
0
18


Sources: STI: PopStats and STI: Colossus