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Canyon 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.
 
Boise Bible College
Carrington College-Boise  
Eagle Gate College-Boise Campus  
Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine  
The College of Idaho  
Treasure Valley Community College  
Northwest Nazarene University  
College of Western Idaho  
Boise State University  
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
84
23

14,870
11,800

26,670
71
2
3
14
0
0
5
3
1

23,491
27
58
15
0

3,179

19

8,068
8,060
8,364
8,782


32,341
32,341
50,535

29,152
29,152
47,346

15,537
15,537
33,731

184
3,874
1,028
53
7
0

1,041
64
2
22
426
120
442
291
252
38
184
3
195
61
7
3,148
NA
NA

2,340
7,986

10,326
68
1
2
18
0
1
4
6
1

10,326
40
38
22
0

0

19

3,336
3,336
3,336
3,336


NA
NA
NA

18,318
19,318
22,326

8,566
9,566
12,574

991
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

282
0
0
8
236
92
42
27
57
0
17
0
73
8
0
842
63
11

1,242
532

1,774
71
2
1
12
0
1
6
6
1

1,156
1
86
13
0

618

14

32,780
34,390
36,298
39,370


56,586
56,586
56,586

58,752
58,752
58,752

46,890
46,890
46,890

1
233
212
17
0
0

131
0
0
2
31
25
21
19
37
1
10
0
35
0
0
312
NA
NA

538
593

1,131
56
1
1
26
1
1
1
13
1

1,131
8
58
33
1

0

17

5,760
5,895
6,030
6,210


18,309
18,309
18,759

18,309
18,309
18,759

9,774
9,774
10,224

174
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

60
3
3
2
42
10
6
12
17
0
16
2
11
0
0
184
47
14

1,066
10

1,076
55
2
2
17
1
1
5
4
13

1,049
6
93
1
0

27

10

32,855
33,755
34,630
36,030


51,365
51,365
51,365

46,930
46,930
46,930

39,430
39,430
39,430

0
264
8
0
0
0

102
0
0
4
1
34
13
5
49
2
20
0
23
3
0
256
NA
NA

626
0

626
74
0
17
4
0
1
1
3
0

0
NA
NA
NA
NA

626

NA

NA
NA
NA
NA


NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

0
0
0
0
147
0

39
0
0
2
9
12
6
7
6
0
6
0
16
0
0
103
NA
NA

539
0

539
60
5
3
13
1
1
0
17
0

511
0
33
67
0

28

27

13,260
17,112
17,112
18,645


NA
NA
NA

39,585
39,585
39,585

23,700
23,700
23,700

0
14
3
0
0
0

20
0
0
1
5
4
0
0
0
1
0
0
6
0
0
37
NA
NA

433
0

433
44
3
6
31
0
1
1
11
1

433
0
47
53
0

0

11

NA
NA
NA
NA


NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

161
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

39
0
0
0
4
12
0
0
0
0
0
0
3
0
0
58
96
46

71
32

103
91
3
0
1
1
0
1
0
3

103
1
71
27
1

0

12

13,100
13,100
9,770
11,240


23,788
23,788
23,788

28,811
28,811
28,811

16,976
16,976
16,976

3
12
0
0
0
0

7
0
0
1
1
5
2
0
0
0
4
2
2
0
0
24


Sources: STI: PopStats and STI: Colossus