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Baker 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.
 
Fortis College-Orange Park
Trinity Baptist College  
Jones Technical Institute  
Chamberlain University-Florida  
Edward Waters University  
Florida Gateway College  
Jacksonville University  
University of North Florida  
Florida State College at Jacksonville  
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

6,245
14,285

20,530
44
27
3
9
0
0
12
1
4

20,530
9
47
43
0

0

24

2,878
2,878
2,878
2,878


14,589
14,589
21,703

14,674
14,674
21,788

5,728
5,728
12,842

2,634
755
0
0
0
0

497
0
0
27
96
130
88
60
37
0
73
0
352
94
0
1,454
62
21

11,730
4,723

16,453
57
12
6
16
0
0
5
1
3

14,264
36
56
8
0

2,189

19

6,389
6,389
6,389
6,389


23,333
23,333
37,737

25,465
25,465
39,869

12,456
12,456
26,860

233
3,091
773
21
140
0

676
0
0
27
54
303
163
104
149
10
121
0
203
43
0
1,853
57
15

3,146
811

3,957
53
14
3
15
0
0
4
5
5

2,662
3
84
14
0

1,295

13

39,900
42,400
43,670
46,180


66,056
66,056
66,056

68,586
68,586
68,586

51,230
51,230
51,230

0
603
436
7
60
0

292
0
0
12
53
71
30
29
97
22
27
0
46
1
1
681
NA
NA

993
1,844

2,837
72
16
1
8
0
0
3
0
0

2,837
18
48
33
0

0

14

3,100
3,100
3,100
3,100


13,696
13,696
22,343

22,100
22,100
30,747

8,995
8,995
17,642

439
51
0
0
0
0

118
0
0
2
1
12
26
4
15
0
0
0
60
3
0
241
85
4

1,152
23

1,175
5
84
0
2
0
0
2
6
0

1,113
3
82
15
0

62

18

14,878
14,878
14,878
14,878


27,164
27,164
27,164

28,146
28,146
28,146

19,154
19,154
19,154

0
110
23
0
0
0

63
0
0
3
30
17
8
1
38
1
5
1
20
0
2
189
100
83

261
578

839
20
51
4
21
0
0
1
2
0

839
0
27
73
0

0

9

19,469
19,469
19,629
19,686


NA
NA
NA

42,634
42,634
42,634

28,094
28,094
28,094

0
280
0
0
0
0

36
0
0
0
23
2
2
1
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
65
NA
NA

522
0

522
47
26
2
14
1
0
7
2
0

522
0
57
42
0

0

16

13,689
13,689
14,547
15,978


NA
NA
NA

39,135
39,135
39,135

22,461
22,461
22,461

265
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

36
0
0
0
5
5
5
2
0
0
0
11
1
2
0
67
63
82

293
104

397
60
17
0
14
1
1
3
3
1

385
4
76
19
1

12

12

13,130
13,180
14,300
14,300


27,473
27,473
27,473

33,533
33,533
33,533

19,013
19,013
19,013

23
70
4
0
0
0

34
0
0
2
0
7
6
0
6
0
0
0
7
0
0
62
NA
NA

324
3

327
29
53
2
9
1
1
5
1
0

327
0
30
70
0

0

23

15,060
14,459
14,115
14,386


NA
NA
NA

36,637
36,637
36,637

19,582
19,582
19,582

37
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

14
0
0
0
0
6
3
0
3
0
0
0
1
0
0
27


Sources: STI: PopStats and STI: Colossus