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Cherokee County – Colleges/Universities 2023-2024

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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.
 
Shorter University
Berry College  
Gadsden State Community College  
Georgia Highlands College  
Jacksonville State University  
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
76
20

6,960
2,712

9,672
61
22
1
5
0
0
4
4
3

8,378
14
76
11
0

1,294

19

11,120
11,120
11,952
12,426


24,824
24,824
35,114

27,682
27,682
37,972

16,954
16,954
27,244

0
1,409
515
3
35
0

406
0
0
0
49
99
32
45
140
0
144
0
127
40
9
1,091
NA
NA

1,971
2,984

4,955
57
16
1
20
0
0
4
1
1

4,955
9
63
28
0

0

20

3,344
3,344
3,344
2,944


NA
NA
NA

22,669
22,669
29,021

7,804
7,804
14,156

698
158
0
0
0
0

144
0
1
5
31
65
11
19
15
0
16
0
32
1
0
340
NA
NA

2,133
2,595

4,728
69
16
1
7
0
0
5
0
1

4,728
20
54
26
0

0

17

3,936
3,936
3,984
4,032


13,156
13,156
16,204

13,048
13,048
16,096

8,548
8,548
11,596

721
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

172
0
0
4
24
39
11
17
25
1
31
0
73
22
0
419
62
14

2,250
120

2,370
73
9
3
10
0
0
5
1
0

2,226
1
98
0
0

144

12

37,946
38,656
39,376
40,416


57,870
57,870
57,870

56,750
56,750
56,750

45,048
45,048
45,048

0
463
92
0
0
0

188
0
0
7
0
73
12
16
76
0
85
0
65
12
16
550
97
35

1,128
319

1,447
61
18
1
9
0
1
4
4
2

1,322
13
76
11
0

125

15

22,810
22,810
23,358
24,044


37,188
37,188
37,188

42,195
42,195
42,195

28,979
28,979
28,979

17
237
108
0
0
0

93
0
0
2
0
11
19
2
34
1
36
0
20
0
0
218


Sources: STI: PopStats and STI: Colossus