Ersys Logo Ersys Name
Crawford County – Colleges/Universities 2023-2024

Picture of valves

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.
 
Cottey College
Ozark Christian College  
Labette Community College  
Fort Scott Community College  
Neosho County Community College  
Missouri Southern State University  
Pittsburg 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
88
35

4,347
1,375

5,722
76
3
1
7
0
1
6
0
6

4,426
5
86
9
0

1,296

15

7,484
7,932
7,970
8,008


24,002
24,002
35,686

24,588
24,588
36,272

14,604
14,604
26,288

34
1,039
614
0
15
0

316
0
0
14
7
142
56
29
38
3
54
0
73
51
9
792
97
26

2,625
1,465

4,090
69
5
3
9
0
4
2
5
4

3,930
18
63
19
0

160

16

6,964
7,244
8,026
8,400


20,051
20,051
28,451

24,840
24,840
33,240

13,489
13,489
21,889

97
715
35
0
0
0

182
0
0
3
43
31
9
16
52
5
45
2
68
10
0
466
NA
NA

614
1,169

1,783
77
4
1
8
0
1
4
2
4

1,783
45
37
14
4

0

11

5,032
5,032
5,474
5,644


18,256
18,256
18,256

20,666
20,666
20,666

11,466
11,466
11,466

278
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

82
0
0
2
32
25
1
4
11
8
11
4
26
3
0
209
NA
NA

560
904

1,464
78
8
0
8
0
1
4
0
1

1,464
48
45
7
0

0

17

3,060
3,060
3,150
3,240


15,248
15,698
15,698

15,248
15,698
15,698

7,625
8,075
8,075

214
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

52
0
0
2
6
29
37
2
15
2
10
1
20
3
0
179
NA
NA

532
922

1,454
75
4
1
9
0
3
7
0
1

1,454
42
42
16
0

0

16

3,488
3,488
3,968
3,968


NA
NA
NA

17,518
17,518
18,318

8,518
8,518
9,318

220
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

49
0
0
3
17
20
6
4
12
1
10
0
13
1
0
136
98
54

502
199

701
84
2
1
5
0
2
4
1
1

614
0
91
9
0

87

13

13,600
14,260
14,680
15,550


28,602
28,602
28,602

29,642
29,642
29,642

20,112
20,112
20,112

22
114
0
0
0
0

29
0
0
2
14
22
6
2
5
0
16
1
11
3
0
111
66
18

264
2

266
73
7
2
11
0
2
2
0
4

266
2
94
5
0

0

6

22,770
23,114
24,960
26,209


39,655
39,655
39,655

38,237
38,237
38,237

30,205
30,205
30,205

15
50
0
0
0
0

39
0
0
4
0
21
6
5
11
3
51
0
18
0
0
158


Sources: STI: PopStats and STI: Colossus