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DeKalb 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.
 
Beulah Heights University
Gupton Jones College of Funeral Service  
DeVry University-Georgia  
Interactive College of Technology-Chamblee  
Luther Rice College & Seminary  
American InterContinental University-Atlanta  
Morehouse School of Medicine  
Agnes Scott College  
Oglethorpe University  
Atlanta Metropolitan State College  
Chamberlain University-Georgia  
Morehouse College  
Spelman College  
Clark Atlanta University  
Strayer University-Georgia  
Georgia Gwinnett College  
Emory University  
Georgia State University-Perimeter College  
Georgia State University  
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus  
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
16
44

25,178
22,768

47,946
31
5
25
7
0
0
3
1
26

19,505
6
93
2
0

28,441

18

12,852
12,852
11,764
11,764


28,524
28,524
49,636

28,524
28,524
49,636

21,764
21,764
42,876

0
4,227
6,610
556
0
0

1,373
2,964
63
39
551
1,192
686
795
280
32
772
0
730
297
0
9,774
62
24

26,333
8,641

34,974
20
39
14
13
0
0
5
1
8

27,588
2
83
15
0

7,386

25

9,286
9,286
8,478
8,478


31,468
31,468
46,699

31,942
31,942
47,173

17,071
17,071
32,302

0
5,309
2,329
272
250
0

1,504
64
61
45
668
673
209
308
123
14
584
5
657
221
0
5,136
100
27

5,914
9,608

15,522
18
43
14
15
0
0
5
1
5

15,522
15
62
22
1

0

19

3,360
3,360
2,960
2,960


NA
NA
NA

26,424
26,424
32,776

11,553
11,553
17,905

2,040
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

415
0
0
0
3
49
16
15
1
5
1
0
37
2
0
544
11
40

13,565
1,481

15,046
34
13
19
10
0
0
4
2
18

7,359
1
98
2
0

7,687

9

53,868
55,468
57,948
60,774


83,622
83,622
83,622

83,622
83,622
83,622

64,650
64,650
64,650

0
1,937
2,007
277
516
0

1,744
1,047
1,869
182
1,310
1,088
955
2,737
555
494
656
0
736
160
41
13,574
96
44

7,795
4,112

11,907
21
32
11
27
0
0
4
1
3

11,907
5
78
17
0

0

20

4,948
4,948
4,458
4,458


30,088
30,088
38,874

30,088
30,088
38,874

14,768
14,768
23,554

1
1,155
0
0
0
0

459
0
0
6
72
122
29
27
25
1
28
0
68
11
0
848
NA
NA

551
4,946

5,497
17
75
0
3
0
0
3
1
0

4,878
0
12
88
1

619

39

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


NA
NA
NA

25,158
25,158
25,158

15,720
15,720
15,720

270
514
218
0
0
0

45
0
0
1
40
38
7
0
0
0
0
25
3
0
0
159
65
6

3,841
294

4,135
1
60
0
1
0
0
6
31
1

3,495
3
95
2
0

640

16

21,695
24,012
24,730
26,446


43,676
43,676
43,676

43,676
43,676
43,676

31,658
31,658
31,658

0
452
145
36
0
0

247
18
0
0
5
37
62
31
57
1
70
0
157
1
0
686
34
20

2,532
1,101

3,633
3
74
1
0
0
1
1
20
1

3,633
2
73
25
0

0

11

25,766
28,181
28,885
30,058


51,366
51,366
51,366

51,366
51,366
51,366

35,073
35,073
35,073

0
420
0
0
0
0

231
0
0
2
26
87
43
32
18
6
59
0
126
13
4
647
51
24

2,374
364

2,738
0
98
0
0
0
0
1
0
0

2,738
1
86
13
0

0

13

29,468
29,468
29,468
31,725


51,623
51,623
51,623

62,824
62,824
62,824

38,099
38,099
38,099

0
398
0
0
0
0

186
0
0
0
61
59
81
24
40
0
39
0
87
0
3
580
96
68

484
1,104

1,588
15
64
6
10
0
1
2
2
0

1,588
0
24
76
0

0

13

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


NA
NA
NA

42,634
42,634
42,634

28,094
28,094
28,094

0
372
0
0
0
0

49
0
0
0
30
3
3
1
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
88
NA
NA

615
936

1,551
2
87
1
5
0
0
3
0
1

1,551
10
44
45
1

0

22

3,505
3,505
3,105
3,105


20,303
20,303
26,929

13,983
13,983
20,609

8,309
8,309
14,935

133
66
0
0
0
0

43
0
0
1
17
24
2
4
1
0
1
0
12
2
0
107
60
23

1,427
95

1,522
31
20
4
27
0
0
4
11
3

1,499
5
91
4
0

23

14

41,160
42,754
44,060
45,806


65,056
65,056
65,056

66,306
66,306
66,306

51,006
51,006
51,006

0
234
0
0
0
0

101
1
0
6
7
39
6
5
51
3
20
0
10
10
0
259
67
19

1,043
34

1,077
38
34
5
13
0
0
6
1
3

911
1
99
1
0

166

10

44,250
44,250
45,786
48,150


64,812
64,812
64,812

54,058
54,058
54,058

51,558
51,558
51,558

0
199
18
0
0
0

107
0
0
9
22
25
26
6
34
2
11
0
36
0
1
279
NA
NA

837
98

935
3
81
5
3
0
0
4
3
0

0
NA
NA
NA
NA

935

NA

NA
NA
NA
NA


NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

0
0
147
5
94
0

378
5
4
3
91
164
47
68
20
31
48
0
103
0
0
962
NA
NA

607
122

729
8
50
0
0
0
0
3
38
0

670
0
13
86
0

59

8

12,692
13,341
13,267
13,416


NA
NA
NA

24,661
24,661
24,661

16,401
16,401
16,401

159
144
52
0
0
0

15
0
0
0
1
2
2
1
0
0
0
6
0
0
0
27
34
75

106
450

556
49
42
3
3
0
0
0
2
0

214
0
13
81
6

342

10

8,448
9,088
9,808
10,538


NA
NA
NA

31,650
31,650
31,650

16,514
16,514
16,514

0
27
103
10
0
0

26
0
0
3
3
2
3
3
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
42
NA
NA

483
46

529
15
48
15
22
0
0
0
0
0

529
0
24
75
1

0

23

10,250
10,650
11,090
11,330


NA
NA
NA

24,630
24,630
24,630

16,630
16,630
16,630

40
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

12
0
0
0
0
4
9
0
0
0
0
5
9
2
0
41
81
92

329
158

487
18
65
1
6
0
0
2
5
3

472
0
13
86
0

15

11

17,712
17,488
17,488
17,488


NA
NA
NA

40,132
40,132
40,132

25,596
25,596
25,596

78
141
19
0
0
0

24
0
0
0
30
6
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
60
NA
NA

235
216

451
38
49
0
12
0
0
0
0
0

451
0
27
73
0

0

24

11,720
12,320
16,935
21,000


NA
NA
NA

38,875
38,875
38,875

27,575
27,575
27,575

55
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

13
0
0
0
12
1
2
0
0
0
0
0
3
0
0
31
NA
NA

249
126

375
10
47
21
9
1
2
0
10
1

158
0
11
84
4

217

6

8,731
8,492
8,492
8,492


NA
NA
NA

21,692
21,692
21,692

9,992
9,992
9,992

6
9
14
5
0
0

23
0
0
1
2
15
3
0
0
0
3
0
11
0
0
58

Page 1 of 2
Interdenominational Theological Center
Interactive College of Technology-Morrow  
Gwinnett College-Sandy Springs  
Gwinnett College-Lilburn  
Columbia Theological Seminary  
Atlanta Institute of Music and Media  
Reformed University  
Morris Brown College  
Atlanta's John Marshall Law School  
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

240
110

350
35
40
7
12
0
2
0
3
1

0
NA
NA
NA
NA

350

NA

NA
NA
NA
NA


NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

0
0
0
0
86
0

22
0
0
2
7
10
1
1
0
0
0
0
9
0
0
52
NA
NA

261
82

343
0
94
0
3
0
1
2
0
0

343
0
49
50
0

0

14

9,558
9,558
9,558
9,558


NA
NA
NA

29,613
29,613
29,613

19,079
19,079
19,079

0
17
0
0
0
0

21
0
0
0
3
10
4
0
1
0
4
0
6
4
0
53
73
79

326
5

331
4
1
46
10
0
0
0
0
39

287
1
16
82
0

44

15

5,444
5,444
5,444
5,360


NA
NA
NA

21,210
21,210
21,210

11,210
11,210
11,210

0
8
2
0
0
0

10
0
0
2
6
2
3
0
0
0
0
0
3
0
0
26
NA
NA

125
139

264
31
48
2
9
0
0
9
2
0

264
0
64
36
0

0

15

NA
NA
NA
NA


NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

52
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

6
0
0
0
8
4
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
19
NA
NA

111
46

157
29
43
8
1
0
0
1
2
17

0
NA
NA
NA
NA

157

NA

NA
NA
NA
NA


NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

0
0
46
0
18
0

20
0
0
9
12
16
2
3
6
0
5
6
12
0
0
91
NA
NA

62
70

132
10
67
3
19
0
0
0
2
0

132
0
36
64
0

0

7

9,925
9,925
10,500
10,850


NA
NA
NA

41,046
41,046
41,046

21,200
21,200
21,200

13
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

12
0
0
0
2
2
3
0
0
0
0
3
2
0
0
24
NA
NA

53
61

114
21
57
4
18
0
0
0
0
0

114
0
28
72
0

0

9

NA
NA
NA
NA


NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

1
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

7
0
0
0
0
1
2
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
12
NA
NA

113
0

113
0
88
4
8
0
0
0
0
0

113
0
21
77
2

0

12

10,850
10,420
10,850
11,210


NA
NA
NA

24,390
24,390
24,390

16,390
16,390
16,390

3
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

2
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
0
0
2
4
0
0
10
NA
NA

46
15

61
3
93
0
0
0
0
3
0
0

0
NA
NA
NA
NA

61

NA

NA
NA
NA
NA


NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

0
0
32
0
0
14

10
2
0
0
4
2
4
1
0
0
0
0
12
1
0
36

Page 2 of 2


Sources: STI: PopStats and STI: Colossus