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White 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.
 
Interactive College of Technology-Gainesville
Young Harris College  
Piedmont University  
Brenau University  
Truett McConnell University  
University of North Georgia  
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
72
47

11,910
6,164

18,074
70
4
4
16
0
0
3
2
1

17,242
8
83
9
0

832

18

4,976
5,341
4,995
5,009


22,459
22,459
32,891

20,379
20,379
30,811

10,769
10,769
21,201

559
2,146
238
6
48
0

764
0
0
17
173
252
40
96
44
6
171
1
191
58
0
1,813
91
33

847
1,867

2,714
75
11
2
5
0
0
1
4
1

2,612
66
31
2
0

102

16

21,938
22,852
24,440
25,568


39,988
39,988
39,988

39,988
39,988
39,988

30,668
30,668
30,668

0
167
38
0
0
0

92
0
0
2
15
16
1
6
12
0
27
3
35
4
0
213
87
9

1,601
819

2,420
44
27
4
14
0
0
4
5
3

1,195
15
56
29
0

1,225

11

31,720
32,530
32,685
33,275


50,015
50,015
50,015

53,685
53,685
53,685

38,815
38,815
38,815

40
241
376
0
38
22

172
0
0
1
21
38
3
5
13
0
17
9
67
0
1
347
93
15

1,297
543

1,840
67
16
1
9
0
0
2
4
1

1,261
1
84
15
0

579

12

27,520
28,340
29,410
30,680


47,908
47,908
47,908

46,276
46,276
46,276

35,608
35,608
35,608

0
261
133
9
0
0

114
0
0
2
6
25
5
6
41
5
22
11
36
0
0
273
64
20

835
585

1,420
65
8
2
6
0
1
4
10
4

1,403
41
58
0
0

17

11

29,967
29,962
30,905
32,305


49,498
49,498
49,498

41,723
41,723
41,723

40,190
40,190
40,190

0
159
13
0
0
0

98
2
1
4
26
7
16
5
24
0
0
0
8
0
0
191
NA
NA

47
0

47
13
15
6
66
0
0
0
0
0

47
0
24
76
0

0

15

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


NA
NA
NA

24,390
24,390
24,390

16,390
16,390
16,390

1
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

1
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
0
0
2
5
0
0
10


Sources: STI: PopStats and STI: Colossus