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Johnson 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.
 
Nazarene Theological Seminary
WellSpring School of Allied Health-Kansas City  
City Vision University  
Concorde Career College-Kansas City  
Calvary University  
Kansas City Art Institute  
Kansas City University  
Rockhurst University  
State Fair Community College  
Metropolitan Community College-Kansas City  
University of Missouri-Kansas City  
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
75
30

9,138
6,139

15,277
51
10
9
12
0
0
5
2
11

10,149
31
59
10
0

5,128

14

10,145
10,599
11,287
11,988


29,566
29,566
46,366

31,162
31,162
47,962

18,104
18,104
34,904

0
1,634
1,498
132
484
0

803
19
0
40
139
227
251
227
288
444
96
16
233
47
11
2,841
NA
NA

5,580
7,414

12,994
57
15
3
15
0
0
6
3
1

12,994
15
60
25
1

0

13

3,240
3,480
3,630
3,630


NA
NA
NA

22,440
25,920
28,410

13,522
17,002
19,492

1,791
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

624
4
0
54
10
106
6
58
79
0
23
0
218
23
3
1,208
NA
NA

1,886
1,868

3,754
81
3
1
9
0
0
5
0
1

3,754
28
57
15
0

0

17

3,288
3,288
3,624
4,104


17,091
18,651
20,235

20,685
22,245
23,829

9,381
10,941
12,525

599
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

135
0
0
4
4
48
7
2
14
0
22
0
94
0
0
330
69
19

2,059
1,437

3,496
67
8
4
13
0
0
4
3
2

2,430
24
67
9
0

1,066

12

39,780
40,480
41,701
43,420


62,830
62,830
62,830

69,308
69,308
69,308

51,290
51,290
51,290

22
453
238
16
48
0

189
0
0
6
27
31
23
18
43
5
26
0
36
6
0
410
NA
NA

2,037
11

2,048
51
4
25
7
0
0
4
2
5

0
NA
NA
NA
NA

2,048

NA

NA
NA
NA
NA


NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

0
0
103
0
401
0

84
12
0
8
107
53
24
27
25
10
40
5
27
16
0
438
60
36

774
15

789
62
8
4
15
0
0
8
2
1

789
1
94
5
0

0

10

40,100
40,575
41,924
43,550


59,300
59,300
59,300

57,650
57,650
57,650

47,250
47,250
47,250

0
132
0
0
0
0

83
0
0
7
18
8
7
5
24
0
23
0
6
0
0
181
71
35

149
113

262
75
6
6
8
0
0
3
2
1

198
14
67
18
1

64

8

11,164
11,576
12,500
13,692


22,470
22,470
22,470

42,476
42,476
42,476

20,084
20,084
20,084

6
43
22
0
0
0

23
0
0
2
2
8
2
1
3
0
2
0
2
2
0
47
99
58

240
0

240
15
30
2
15
0
1
2
34
0

240
0
42
58
0

0

26

NA
NA
NA
NA


NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

127
37
0
0
0
0

37
0
0
2
10
18
7
0
0
0
0
9
5
0
0
88
NA
NA

21
213

234
38
9
1
14
0
1
8
26
3

188
0
6
90
3

46

6

6,000
6,000
6,000
6,400


NA
NA
NA

15,536
15,536
15,536

9,808
9,808
9,808

9
20
15
0
0
0

18
0
0
0
2
4
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
24
NA
NA

179
0

179
52
27
0
9
1
2
9
1
0

179
0
37
63
0

0

14

NA
NA
NA
NA


NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

13
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

14
0
0
0
3
2
3
1
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
24
NA
NA

74
98

172
69
13
2
9
1
1
1
1
2

0
NA
NA
NA
NA

172

NA

NA
NA
NA
NA


NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

0
0
26
0
0
25

22
0
0
1
6
1
1
2
2
0
3
0
2
0
0
40


Sources: STI: PopStats and STI: Colossus