Ersys Logo Ersys Name
San Benito 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.
 
Institute for Business and Technology
Carrington College-San Jose  
Sofia University  
Palo Alto University  
Naval Postgraduate School  
Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts  
Fresno Pacific University  
Coalinga College  
California State University-Monterey Bay  
Monterey Peninsula College  
San Jose City College  
Evergreen Valley College  
University of California-Merced  
Cabrillo College  
Santa Clara University  
Foothill College  
Stanford University  
University of California-Santa Cruz  
California State University-Fresno  
San Jose 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
80
16

26,223
9,839

36,062
16
3
34
29
0
0
5
4
8

27,111
3
82
15
0

8,951

18

7,852
7,852
7,899
7,992


32,310
32,310
44,190

33,271
33,271
45,151

13,233
13,233
25,113

0
6,860
3,226
20
19
0

1,240
0
0
44
39
94
464
184
344
32
185
0
141
84
30
2,881
96
19

19,549
4,437

23,986
16
3
12
60
0
0
2
3
3

21,430
3
81
15
0

2,556

18

6,643
6,653
6,663
6,980


23,750
23,750
35,630

29,407
29,407
41,287

13,379
13,379
25,259

0
4,995
797
25
41
0

1,044
0
0
38
26
55
174
108
240
14
141
0
175
67
12
2,094
63
10

19,120
644

19,764
31
2
23
27
0
0
8
2
6

17,812
3
93
4
0

1,952

22

14,025
14,070
14,240
14,560


40,306
40,306
71,083

38,836
38,836
69,613

31,056
31,056
61,833

0
4,518
363
226
0
0

882
408
0
56
62
299
514
463
462
40
464
4
374
129
84
4,241
4
81

17,212
1,234

18,446
25
6
22
13
0
0
7
3
25

8,054
2
96
2
0

10,392

6

56,169
56,169
58,416
62,484


87,833
87,833
87,833

NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

0
1,573
2,512
799
270
0

4,414
961
0
333
102
1,551
4,376
3,512
687
37
808
0
1,637
408
0
18,826
NA
NA

2,645
10,286

12,931
27
3
25
32
1
0
6
2
3

12,931
12
48
39
1

0

22

1,563
1,565
1,565
1,565


NA
NA
NA

30,653
30,653
41,408

9,170
9,170
19,925

787
54
0
0
0
0

277
0
0
4
18
33
16
1
26
0
4
0
41
0
0
420
44
19

8,070
1,270

9,340
33
3
20
18
0
0
7
2
16

6,249
0
99
1
0

3,091

10

52,998
55,860
57,534
59,241


83,142
83,142
83,142

85,803
85,803
85,803

65,400
65,400
65,400

0
1,483
1,027
6
248
0

771
7
0
35
136
276
109
114
122
11
72
0
139
23
6
1,821
NA
NA

2,023
7,251

9,274
38
1
3
50
0
0
6
1
1

9,274
9
56
32
4

0

17

1,270
1,262
1,262
1,270


NA
NA
NA

32,509
32,509
41,149

9,397
9,397
18,037

1,855
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

293
0
0
3
24
68
36
14
20
1
37
0
97
0
0
593
39
9

9,033
114

9,147
10
5
21
55
0
0
4
1
4

8,372
4
93
2
0

775

21

13,538
13,657
13,791
14,167


40,685
40,685
71,462

31,511
31,511
62,288

29,686
29,686
60,463

0
1,804
108
107
0
0

438
105
1
22
14
182
265
140
216
15
218
1
139
38
22
1,816
NA
NA

2,121
6,868

8,989
10
3
37
43
0
1
3
3
1

8,989
9
56
33
2

0

27

1,364
1,366
1,366
1,366


NA
NA
NA

27,574
27,574
34,926

8,881
8,881
16,233

896
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

194
0
0
1
17
21
7
6
8
0
27
0
57
0
0
338
NA
NA

1,679
6,721

8,400
11
5
22
52
1
0
4
3
1

8,400
11
49
39
1

0

23

1,362
1,366
1,366
1,366


NA
NA
NA

29,293
29,293
37,413

17,962
17,962
26,082

666
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

216
0
0
1
18
27
5
5
12
0
28
0
53
0
0
365
NA
NA

2,132
5,219

7,351
28
2
7
50
1
0
6
5
0

7,351
17
44
36
3

0

23

1,178
1,178
1,188
1,188


NA
NA
NA

40,430
40,430
49,166

7,526
7,526
16,262

736
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

186
0
0
6
26
29
23
15
19
1
28
0
37
0
0
370
95
8

5,784
958

6,742
27
3
6
53
0
0
5
4
2

5,909
1
81
18
0

833

16

7,147
7,218
7,323
7,437


28,719
28,719
40,599

36,155
36,155
48,035

13,863
13,863
25,743

0
1,967
298
0
0
0

313
0
0
16
10
33
165
90
125
4
24
0
85
29
12
906
NA
NA

548
3,044

3,592
10
4
2
78
0
1
2
5
0

3,592
35
37
28
0

0

26

1,380
1,380
1,380
1,384


14,100
14,100
22,800

27,946
27,946
36,646

7,542
7,542
16,242

502
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

57
0
0
3
25
26
0
1
0
0
42
0
15
0
0
169
58
24

1,598
1,323

2,921
24
5
6
58
1
1
1
2
3

1,616
2
57
41
0

1,305

8

33,452
33,452
34,188
35,558


49,395
49,395
49,395

51,586
51,586
51,586

39,863
39,863
39,863

0
735
323
0
0
0

369
0
0
1
18
53
28
2
71
6
21
0
52
10
0
631
NA
NA

2,861
0

2,861
16
8
29
34
2
1
6
4
0

2,844
0
25
75
0

17

16

NA
NA
NA
NA


NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

505
97
0
0
0
0

190
0
0
0
79
81
5
4
0
0
1
0
57
0
0
417
NA
NA

1,478
1,122

2,600
72
4
4
11
0
0
2
1
6

0
NA
NA
NA
NA

2,600

NA

NA
NA
NA
NA


NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

0
0
1,153
12
0
0

258
145
0
14
30
45
71
77
12
0
6
0
107
0
1
766
NA
NA

953
270

1,223
46
4
12
19
0
0
6
4
9

19
0
16
84
0

1,204

12

NA
NA
NA
NA


NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

0
22
227
91
0
0

59
2
8
3
8
16
12
7
3
3
0
5
8
1
0
135
NA
NA

839
198

1,037
17
2
78
0
0
0
1
2
0

7
0
0
100
0

1,030

11

NA
NA
NA
NA


NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

0
3
370
7
2
0

39
0
0
1
17
14
3
2
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
77
NA
NA

680
0

680
9
3
12
67
1
0
0
6
1

680
0
58
42
0

0

15

NA
NA
NA
NA


NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

154
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

44
0
0
0
4
20
0
0
0
0
0
0
7
0
0
75
NA
NA

609
0

609
11
5
8
67
1
0
1
8
0

609
2
57
40
0

0

36

NA
NA
NA
NA


NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

0
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

16
0
0
0
12
5
1
0
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
36

Page 1 of 2
Agape College of Business and Science
University of East-West Medicine  
San Joaquin College of Law  
University of Silicon Andhra  
Five Branches University  
University of Silicon Valley  
San Joaquin Valley College-Fresno  
Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey  
California Health Sciences 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
NA
NA

527
0

527
28
3
49
10
0
0
6
5
0

0
NA
NA
NA
NA

527

NA

NA
NA
NA
NA


NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

0
0
0
0
29
0

23
0
0
3
11
25
10
6
4
0
0
0
26
0
0
108
NA
NA

391
112

503
29
2
9
8
0
0
2
8
41

12
0
58
42
0

491

1

NA
NA
NA
NA


NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

0
6
357
0
0
0

78
0
0
3
4
32
17
13
10
0
2
0
31
3
0
193
NA
NA

481
0

481
14
4
4
72
0
0
1
5
0

481
0
66
33
0

0

27

NA
NA
NA
NA


NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

103
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

18
0
0
1
2
14
0
0
0
0
3
0
2
0
0
40
51
35

294
98

392
26
9
18
27
0
1
11
7
1

378
0
73
27
0

14

13

21,784
21,784
22,480
22,480


46,272
46,272
46,272

46,370
46,370
46,370

28,234
28,234
28,234

0
81
7
0
0
0

28
0
0
1
3
16
5
3
5
0
2
13
2
0
0
78
NA
NA

179
110

289
29
1
47
4
0
0
1
0
16

0
NA
NA
NA
NA

289

NA

NA
NA
NA
NA


NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

0
0
47
0
147
0

18
0
0
0
1
5
3
0
2
1
0
0
12
0
0
42
95
86

7
242

249
0
0
60
0
0
0
0
0
40

87
58
26
15
0

162

12

NA
NA
NA
NA


NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

0
0
12
0
0
0

14
0
0
0
0
1
6
0
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
23
NA
NA

138
18

156
30
6
15
44
3
0
0
3
0

0
NA
NA
NA
NA

156

NA

NA
NA
NA
NA


NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

0
0
0
0
34
0

13
0
2
1
0
7
2
2
5
0
2
0
5
0
0
39
NA
NA

73
37

110
7
0
83
1
0
0
0
0
9

0
NA
NA
NA
NA

110

NA

NA
NA
NA
NA


NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

0
0
20
0
0
0

8
0
0
0
4
3
1
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
17
NA
NA

41
0

41
5
32
0
63
0
0
0
0
0

41
0
44
56
0

0

5

4,428
4,431
6,883
8,132


NA
NA
NA

32,808
32,808
32,808

14,916
14,916
14,916

0
0
0
0
0
0

12
0
0
1
2
3
1
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
20

Page 2 of 2


Sources: STI: PopStats and STI: Colossus