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Newton 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.
 
Stellar Career College-Crown Point
Calumet College of Saint Joseph  
Kankakee Community College  
Indiana University-Northwest  
Olivet Nazarene University  
Purdue University Northwest  
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
71
26

5,042
3,637

8,679
52
10
3
23
0
0
3
3
6

7,902
25
61
14
0

777

17

7,942
8,057
8,174
8,419


22,326
22,326
29,527

23,110
23,110
30,311

14,040
14,040
21,241

0
1,329
310
0
2
0

289
5
38
5
13
91
96
45
72
3
62
0
163
16
1
899
67
22

2,481
794

3,275
63
9
3
13
1
0
3
5
2

2,569
4
90
6
0

706

14

36,950
37,440
37,940
37,940


52,964
52,964
52,964

56,630
56,630
56,630

44,390
44,390
44,390

0
594
306
11
0
0

182
0
0
11
7
65
15
43
51
5
48
33
65
19
0
544
77
22

2,012
1,033

3,045
45
19
3
28
0
0
4
1
0

2,787
4
72
24
0

258

14

7,715
7,827
7,941
8,179


NA
NA
NA

23,617
23,617
37,481

13,373
13,373
27,237

31
526
92
0
0
0

169
0
0
4
5
29
21
11
42
0
34
0
41
6
0
362
NA
NA

940
1,464

2,404
55
13
1
25
0
0
4
1
1

2,404
10
59
30
1

0

13

4,950
4,950
4,950
5,070


NA
NA
NA

18,702
26,952
39,312

8,206
16,456
28,816

324
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

103
0
0
3
14
14
16
12
51
0
29
1
21
1
0
265
NA
NA

452
222

674
28
28
1
34
0
0
3
1
4

560
4
67
28
0

114

13

20,470
20,470
21,650
22,650


36,270
36,270
36,270

32,670
32,670
32,670

27,070
27,070
27,070

2
125
64
0
0
0

45
0
0
2
19
10
4
3
18
0
4
0
1
0
0
106
NA
NA

76
0

76
5
41
0
50
0
0
3
1
0

76
0
44
56
0

0

15

NA
NA
NA
NA


NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

42
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

4
0
0
0
4
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
9


Sources: STI: PopStats and STI: Colossus