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Jackson 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.
 
Remington College-Mobile Campus
Spring Hill College  
University of Mobile  
Bishop State Community College  
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College  
University of South Alabama  
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
65
23

11,416
2,352

13,768
62
21
4
5
0
1
4
2
2

8,914
4
84
12
0

4,854

18

8,396
8,756
9,116
9,676


25,809
25,809
34,785

28,041
28,041
37,017

16,979
16,979
25,955

0
1,809
1,258
54
289
0

914
23
0
32
202
172
147
112
95
28
150
3
231
105
8
2,222
NA
NA

4,687
3,404

8,091
52
23
3
7
0
1
5
9
0

8,091
19
59
22
0

0

22

3,750
3,950
3,950
3,950


13,565
13,565
16,865

16,325
16,325
19,625

10,025
10,025
13,325

2,075
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

317
5
0
6
2
53
19
1
8
12
125
0
175
1
4
728
NA
NA

1,141
2,427

3,568
28
59
2
3
0
1
5
0
1

3,568
38
38
23
0

0

18

4,860
4,860
4,920
5,280


NA
NA
NA

20,880
20,880
24,690

9,980
9,980
13,790

305
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

102
0
0
1
20
12
13
3
9
0
11
0
64
7
0
242
73
23

1,170
741

1,911
45
13
1
2
0
1
5
30
2

1,688
1
87
11
1

223

13

24,310
24,855
25,880
26,120


43,346
43,346
43,346

41,720
41,720
41,720

32,720
32,720
32,720

1
255
87
6
0
0

103
0
0
2
0
19
11
2
44
2
11
0
31
0
0
225
59
18

842
135

977
58
14
1
9
0
1
2
5
10

851
2
93
4
0

126

10

41,868
21,100
21,732
23,270


41,356
41,356
41,356

46,624
46,624
46,624

29,506
29,506
29,506

0
209
48
0
0
0

89
0
0
2
3
20
5
5
34
0
24
0
35
1
0
218
NA
NA

244
0

244
26
70
0
1
0
1
2
0
0

244
0
39
61
0

0

16

17,148
17,773
20,393
20,476


NA
NA
NA

34,397
34,397
34,397

25,441
25,441
25,441

10
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

15
0
0
0
0
10
1
0
0
0
1
2
3
0
0
32


Sources: STI: PopStats and STI: Colossus