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Flagler 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.
 
Daytona College
Flagler College  
Bethune-Cookman University  
Stetson University  
Saint Johns River State College  
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach  
Daytona State College  
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide  
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
62
54

4,200
8,068

12,268
52
8
4
18
1
0
4
5
6

9,037
2
22
76
0

3,231

22

10,296
10,748
11,185
11,665


NA
NA
NA

28,621
28,621
28,621

18,461
18,461
18,461

515
1,529
1,154
0
0
0

313
0
0
0
157
39
95
11
0
0
1
0
16
0
0
632
NA
NA

4,530
7,277

11,807
54
13
3
22
0
0
5
2
1

11,807
15
53
32
0

0

17

3,106
3,106
3,140
3,106


18,285
18,285
27,173

16,230
16,230
25,118

7,930
7,930
16,818

1,911
403
0
0
0
0

400
0
0
12
19
59
38
54
40
0
245
0
69
84
10
1,030
66
28

7,867
3,203

11,070
42
3
4
11
0
0
4
25
11

10,274
25
70
5
0

796

18

37,964
39,066
40,564
42,304


62,936
62,936
62,936

62,936
62,936
62,936

49,266
49,266
49,266

24
1,397
218
29
0
0

413
20
0
29
446
181
168
171
48
14
67
0
122
76
0
1,755
NA
NA

1,859
5,207

7,066
62
9
4
14
0
0
5
4
1

7,066
40
44
16
0

0

20

2,830
2,830
2,830
2,830


NA
NA
NA

20,023
20,023
27,545

9,565
9,565
17,087

837
122
0
0
0
0

197
0
0
9
19
31
15
22
40
0
33
6
90
3
1
466
86
9

3,232
437

3,669
55
10
2
18
0
0
5
3
6

2,338
2
95
3
0

1,331

10

49,500
50,800
52,320
55,220


74,149
74,149
74,149

74,149
74,149
74,149

58,819
58,819
58,819

0
728
200
0
289
0

308
0
0
17
39
69
73
43
101
7
117
3
98
29
4
908
100
10

2,404
111

2,515
1
59
0
3
0
0
2
33
2

2,414
1
95
4
0

101

14

14,794
14,794
14,794
14,794


29,940
29,940
29,940

35,290
35,290
35,290

20,794
20,794
20,794

0
337
35
0
0
0

156
0
0
8
21
36
29
15
62
2
28
0
49
0
1
407
78
15

2,369
72

2,441
72
3
1
13
0
0
4
3
4

2,432
2
94
5
0

9

16

20,040
21,140
23,760
26,610


46,310
46,310
46,310

44,460
44,460
44,460

31,960
31,960
31,960

0
552
7
0
0
0

144
0
0
6
18
32
54
24
55
8
61
0
36
9
0
447
NA
NA

199
0

199
45
39
0
12
1
0
2
2
0

199
1
35
65
0

0

10

NA
NA
NA
NA


NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

33
0
0
0
0
0

19
0
0
1
10
2
1
0
0
0
0
0
3
0
0
36


Sources: STI: PopStats and STI: Colossus