Ersys Logo Ersys Name
Siskiyou 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.
 
Shasta Bible College and Graduate School
Pacific Bible College  
Simpson University  
College of the Siskiyous  
Klamath Community College  
Rogue Community College  
Oregon Institute of Technology  
Southern Oregon University  
California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt  
Shasta College  
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

2,966
5,115

8,081
61
2
4
20
0
2
8
2
0

8,081
25
40
34
1

0

26

1,187
1,189
1,191
1,197


12,253
12,253
19,333

29,863
29,863
36,943

5,958
5,958
13,038

1,036
11
0
0
0
0

198
0
0
0
11
109
15
10
15
1
41
0
127
0
0
527
99
7

5,272
884

6,156
50
3
3
29
0
1
7
5
0

5,594
1
76
23
0

562

14

7,858
7,864
7,864
7,913


25,657
25,657
37,537

26,471
26,471
38,351

12,491
12,491
24,371

0
1,360
184
0
0
0

352
1
0
15
23
38
147
74
145
17
54
0
92
41
14
1,013
83
22

2,643
2,728

5,371
46
1
2
11
1
1
7
30
1

4,368
29
53
18
0

1,003

23

10,710
11,142
11,691
12,093


30,840
30,840
49,470

30,032
30,032
48,662

14,592
14,592
33,222

0
627
222
0
0
0

162
0
0
7
3
8
213
23
3
2
31
0
38
20
0
510
92
9

2,125
2,978

5,103
63
2
7
16
1
1
7
3
1

5,012
37
44
19
0

91

14

11,269
11,622
12,122
12,687


28,923
28,923
51,828

32,128
32,128
55,033

17,319
17,319
40,224

21
637
37
0
0
0

212
1
3
7
12
50
88
18
26
4
29
1
35
19
0
505
NA
NA

1,501
2,289

3,790
65
1
2
24
1
1
5
3
0

3,790
9
46
44
0

0

18

5,040
5,184
5,184
5,184


NA
NA
NA

25,035
25,035
26,043

10,416
10,416
11,424

428
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

161
0
0
7
2
36
13
24
18
0
21
0
77
2
0
361
NA
NA

575
1,361

1,936
63
1
2
20
0
3
6
6
0

1,936
34
35
31
0

0

18

4,497
4,713
4,713
4,857


NA
NA
NA

24,249
24,249
27,201

10,356
10,356
13,308

267
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

62
0
0
5
50
27
8
11
0
0
12
1
26
5
0
207
NA
NA

604
826

1,430
61
3
3
18
1
3
8
4
1

1,430
20
43
35
2

0

12

1,444
1,444
1,444
1,444


17,186
17,186
25,136

25,799
25,799
33,749

9,571
9,571
17,521

254
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

59
0
0
2
4
8
5
5
9
0
18
0
45
0
0
155
99
19

726
181

907
48
3
6
25
1
1
8
2
7

755
2
69
29
0

152

15

33,630
35,900
37,480
38,522


54,622
54,622
54,622

63,581
63,581
63,581

43,331
43,331
43,331

0
192
49
0
0
0

60
0
0
0
31
19
8
3
26
1
7
0
10
0
1
166
93
23

6
38

44
89
2
0
0
0
0
9
0
0

44
0
23
75
2

0

4

4,370
4,812
5,244
6,555


NA
NA
NA

26,330
26,330
26,330

8,230
8,230
8,230

1
0
0
0
0
0

5
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
7
100
50

6
14

20
70
5
0
15
0
0
10
0
0

13
0
15
85
0

7

3

12,960
12,585
14,560
14,535


26,635
26,635
26,635

34,535
34,535
34,535

19,635
19,635
19,635

1
7
5
0
0
0

8
0
0
1
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
12


Sources: STI: PopStats and STI: Colossus