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Navajo 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.
 
Indian Bible College
Dine College  
Coconino Community College  
Northland Pioneer College  
Eastern Arizona College  
Northern Arizona 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
91
16

23,055
5,131

28,186
53
3
4
25
0
4
5
3
4

23,128
1
86
13
0

5,058

19

11,896
11,896
12,274
12,652


29,680
29,680
45,928

35,200
35,200
51,448

17,952
17,952
34,200

0
5,268
1,627
97
147
0

1,279
25
0
36
92
158
666
433
320
29
199
0
181
59
34
3,511
NA
NA

1,482
3,594

5,076
63
2
1
23
0
6
1
3
1

5,076
20
31
26
23

0

19

2,700
2,160
2,232
2,352


14,428
14,428
21,628

26,182
26,182
33,382

8,748
8,748
15,948

445
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

139
0
0
6
1
33
15
11
67
6
92
0
57
0
0
427
NA
NA

503
2,322

2,825
40
0
1
18
0
29
2
9
0

2,825
42
32
25
1

0

11

2,428
2,428
2,428
2,428


NA
NA
NA

17,404
17,404
24,827

9,328
9,328
16,751

160
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

121
3
0
16
43
26
18
26
5
0
11
0
44
12
0
325
NA
NA

932
1,764

2,696
44
2
1
20
0
22
4
7
0

2,696
19
56
24
1

0

24

2,712
2,712
2,712
2,712


NA
NA
NA

21,842
22,384
28,622

9,852
10,394
16,632

307
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

70
0
0
1
28
20
15
16
17
0
7
0
31
4
0
209
NA
NA

830
1,006

1,836
0
0
0
0
0
99
0
0
0

1,828
12
36
51
0

8

20

1,410
1,410
1,410
1,410


12,700
12,700
12,700

14,680
14,680
14,680

10,070
10,070
10,070

66
33
0
0
0
0

57
0
0
9
67
22
10
9
4
0
48
0
42
0
0
268
NA
NA

22
11

33
18
3
0
0
0
79
0
0
0

33
0
45
55
0

0

7

7,080
7,080
7,420
7,640


17,684
17,684
17,684

18,760
18,760
18,760

10,190
10,190
10,190

3
4
0
0
0
0

3
0
0
1
2
6
0
0
0
0
1
0
1
0
0
14


Sources: STI: PopStats and STI: Colossus