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Kent 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.
 
Delaware College of Art and Design
Strayer University-Delaware  
Washington College  
Goldey-Beacom College  
Salem Community College  
Chesapeake College  
Rowan College of South Jersey-Cumberland Campus  
Delaware State University  
Delaware Technical Community College-Terry  
Wilmington University  
University of Delaware  
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
65
19

21,680
2,541

24,221
61
6
5
9
0
0
5
2
12

19,772
3
95
2
0

4,449

15

14,650
15,020
15,410
16,080


33,718
33,718
57,358

32,918
32,918
56,558

18,080
18,080
41,720

260
4,285
1,130
280
57
0

1,261
0
0
64
59
666
611
774
589
104
324
0
325
193
77
5,047
NA
NA

4,952
9,726

14,678
45
21
3
12
0
0
4
3
12

9,355
8
30
61
0

5,323

12

11,480
11,760
12,030
12,330


NA
NA
NA

21,930
21,930
21,930

15,930
15,930
15,930

43
1,456
1,807
145
0
0

521
0
0
9
114
131
30
41
15
7
25
7
39
11
0
950
NA
NA

3,979
9,252

13,231
43
27
3
18
0
0
5
3
1

13,231
15
52
32
0

0

13

4,945
4,945
4,945
4,965


NA
NA
NA

27,875
27,875
34,738

11,015
11,015
17,878

1,464
127
0
0
0
0

605
0
0
13
82
65
56
49
64
1
78
0
91
19
0
1,123
62
30

4,821
1,007

5,828
9
72
1
8
0
0
6
1
2

4,941
5
89
5
0

887

18

8,358
8,358
8,358
10,314


30,236
30,236
40,172

31,091
31,091
41,027

16,602
16,602
26,538

2
670
198
25
0
0

288
27
14
11
46
63
88
23
115
9
66
0
104
16
6
876
NA
NA

1,019
1,538

2,557
37
13
3
37
0
0
4
6
0

2,557
16
58
26
0

0

18

4,560
4,710
4,800
4,980


NA
NA
NA

23,351
24,191
24,191

11,669
12,509
12,509

469
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

73
0
0
3
27
16
17
14
22
1
0
0
31
0
0
204
NA
NA

474
1,506

1,980
69
11
2
8
0
0
4
5
1

1,980
33
48
19
0

0

14

3,890
3,890
4,010
4,010


NA
NA
NA

12,960
15,294
17,454

9,360
11,694
13,854

244
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

68
0
15
3
56
33
14
17
12
2
23
0
39
4
0
286
NA
NA

517
577

1,094
45
25
2
13
0
0
3
11
0

1,094
15
51
33
1

0

17

5,550
5,700
5,970
6,150


NA
NA
NA

23,250
24,240
27,000

13,250
14,240
17,000

199
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

46
0
0
1
10
24
7
4
10
0
4
0
11
1
0
118
77
15

639
435

1,074
33
17
2
11
0
0
4
7
26

702
9
80
11
0

372

18

25,500
12,750
13,050
13,440


31,861
31,861
31,861

22,193
22,193
22,193

17,992
17,992
17,992

24
143
167
5
0
0

39
0
0
0
10
19
8
4
19
0
6
1
10
2
0
118
66
14

893
23

916
67
9
3
9
0
0
0
9
3

916
1
96
2
0

0

9

48,214
49,768
52,481
54,356


73,896
73,896
73,896

72,970
72,970
72,970

59,060
59,060
59,060

0
217
0
0
0
0

114
0
0
3
27
39
26
27
54
8
86
0
33
15
5
437
NA
NA

25
244

269
28
58
1
7
0
0
4
1
0

240
0
6
92
2

29

39

13,515
13,515
13,515
13,920


NA
NA
NA

25,158
25,158
25,158

15,720
15,720
15,720

9
25
12
0
0
0

3
0
0
0
3
3
1
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
12
61
35

100
4

104
40
30
1
16
0
1
11
1
0

104
0
98
2
0

0

10

25,770
25,770
29,500
30,280


52,930
52,930
52,930

52,930
52,930
52,930

38,730
38,730
38,730

46
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

11
0
0
1
0
3
3
0
0
0
1
0
11
0
0
30


Sources: STI: PopStats and STI: Colossus