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Hamilton 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.
 
Horizon University
Christian Theological Seminary  
International Business College-Indianapolis  
Union Bible College  
Chamberlain University-Indiana  
Martin University  
Fortis College-Indianapolis  
MyComputerCareer at Indianapolis  
Anderson University  
Marian University  
University of Indianapolis  
Butler University  
American College of Education  
Indiana University-Indianapolis  
Ivy Tech Community College  
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

18,118
81,959

100,077
67
11
3
3
0
1
4
10
0

100,077
39
34
26
0

0

25

4,637
4,637
4,637
4,912


NA
NA
NA

20,786
20,786
25,339

10,962
10,962
15,515

8,303
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

1,820
0
0
27
188
386
534
152
509
0
201
0
516
0
0
4,333
81
26

19,703
5,794

25,497
58
10
8
12
0
0
5
1
7

17,037
2
83
16
0

8,460

14

9,944
10,044
10,144
10,449


26,685
26,685
49,953

28,699
28,699
51,967

15,689
15,689
38,957

70
4,212
1,905
119
801
0

3,579
539
0
43
120
175
818
1,141
605
602
384
0
1,067
138
18
9,229
NA
NA

11,961
0

11,961
69
10
3
10
0
0
2
2
3

277
0
9
91
0

11,684

14

NA
NA
NA
NA


NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

0
39
4,005
219
0
0

186
0
0
2
113
63
7
18
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
391
86
14

4,772
991

5,763
79
5
4
6
0
0
4
1
1

4,519
2
97
1
0

1,244

11

43,400
43,400
44,460
45,980


67,210
67,210
67,210

67,210
67,210
67,210

51,340
51,340
51,340

0
852
245
0
196
0

441
5
0
16
55
262
36
52
123
11
83
0
113
14
2
1,213
73
11

3,646
1,801

5,447
55
11
3
8
0
0
3
10
9

3,957
12
80
8
1

1,490

12

32,268
33,520
34,972
36,136


55,702
55,702
55,702

53,048
53,048
53,048

41,658
41,658
41,658

26
893
302
40
113
0

328
0
0
5
41
88
13
21
69
6
45
1
99
6
2
724
95
17

2,990
596

3,586
57
15
5
11
0
0
4
4
2

2,492
3
76
21
0

1,094

13

36,000
36,600
37,600
39,100


57,968
57,968
57,968

53,867
53,867
53,867

43,976
43,976
43,976

11
662
165
9
161
0

301
4
1
7
15
203
7
15
114
5
34
0
39
19
0
764
53
10

1,033
222

1,255
72
11
1
6
0
0
6
1
2

1,095
2
91
7
0

160

10

32,100
33,640
34,080
35,640


52,590
52,590
52,590

48,640
48,640
48,640

40,340
40,340
40,340

3
242
50
5
0
0

114
0
0
2
11
33
18
8
49
4
8
1
35
0
0
283
NA
NA

1,034
0

1,034
33
46
1
10
0
2
7
1
0

1,034
0
12
87
0

0

37

NA
NA
NA
NA


NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

0
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

26
0
0
0
6
3
0
0
0
0
0
5
1
0
0
41
NA
NA

265
0

265
17
69
5
3
0
0
5
2
0

265
0
38
62
0

0

24

14,988
14,726
14,432
14,116


NA
NA
NA

38,645
38,645
38,645

21,365
21,365
21,365

28
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

11
0
0
1
0
6
2
0
3
0
0
0
2
0
0
25
NA
NA

122
101

223
2
83
1
3
0
0
1
9
0

177
5
17
75
3

46

11

13,200
13,200
13,200
12,830


NA
NA
NA

24,509
24,509
24,509

16,369
16,369
16,369

0
13
6
0
0
0

8
0
0
0
1
16
1
0
0
0
3
1
10
0
0
40
100
100

75
102

177
50
35
4
7
1
1
2
1
1

177
1
24
75
0

0

14

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


NA
NA
NA

42,634
42,634
42,634

28,094
28,094
28,094

0
53
0
0
0
0

12
0
0
0
8
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
22
87
93

88
76

164
48
2
24
24
0
0
1
0
1

164
16
62
21
1

0

14

6,380
6,230
6,230
6,230


15,700
15,700
15,700

21,552
21,552
21,552

10,810
10,810
10,810

2
3
0
0
0
0

7
0
0
1
0
0
2
1
1
0
6
1
14
0
0
33
82
25

145
0

145
74
3
2
8
0
1
9
3
0

145
0
88
12
0

0

16

13,960
13,960
15,280
16,480


26,838
26,838
26,838

25,156
25,156
25,156

20,694
20,694
20,694

115
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

9
0
0
0
1
2
2
0
0
0
0
6
4
0
0
24
NA
NA

111
33

144
53
42
0
4
0
0
0
1
0

0
NA
NA
NA
NA

144

NA

NA
NA
NA
NA


NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

0
0
27
0
2
0

21
3
4
1
3
5
7
3
3
3
0
0
5
0
0
58
NA
NA

27
39

66
80
3
3
6
2
0
3
0
3

58
0
62
36
2

8

7

9,300
9,300
9,840
9,840


NA
NA
NA

29,680
29,680
29,680

16,280
16,280
16,280

0
1
0
0
0
0

7
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
9


Sources: STI: PopStats and STI: Colossus