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Flathead 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.
 
Blackfeet Community College
Salish Kootenai College  
Carroll College  
Helena College University of Montana  
Flathead Valley Community College  
The University of Montana  
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
96
18

7,268
3,059

10,327
67
1
5
6
0
3
12
4
2

7,570
5
75
19
0

2,757

18

7,412
7,492
7,719
8,152


25,228
25,228
48,698

26,016
26,016
49,486

13,824
13,824
37,294

240
1,192
512
71
505
0

469
55
146
16
50
412
159
272
157
67
154
9
91
52
14
2,123
NA
NA

615
1,586

2,201
78
1
1
4
0
2
4
9
1

2,201
33
40
23
3

0

13

4,991
5,293
4,616
4,748


19,110
20,395
25,725

18,488
19,773
25,103

10,638
11,923
17,253

234
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

91
0
0
3
11
28
16
10
22
0
22
1
15
2
0
221
NA
NA

356
1,129

1,485
74
0
1
4
0
2
5
14
0

1,485
47
32
20
0

0

16

3,507
3,477
3,590
3,975


NA
NA
NA

20,415
20,415
27,127

11,096
11,096
17,808

123
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

45
0
3
3
2
17
6
3
3
1
3
1
9
4
0
100
73
21

1,079
24

1,103
76
1
1
7
0
0
6
9
0

1,062
1
94
5
0

41

11

37,262
38,106
39,028
40,352


56,044
56,044
56,044

56,044
56,044
56,044

43,562
43,562
43,562

0
279
27
0
0
0

97
0
0
3
6
35
14
7
27
2
7
1
5
0
2
206
NA
NA

489
159

648
29
0
0
7
1
61
0
2
0

636
1
36
60
3

12

6

4,311
4,311
4,311
4,311


15,231
17,319
22,503

15,231
17,319
22,503

8,211
10,299
15,483

48
34
1
0
0
0

81
1
3
2
43
5
7
8
5
4
6
0
16
8
1
190
NA
NA

188
94

282
7
0
0
0
0
93
0
0
0

282
9
50
39
2

0

13

3,610
3,610
3,610
3,610


NA
NA
NA

20,566
20,566
20,566

11,405
11,405
11,405

60
2
0
0
0
0

44
1
1
4
11
5
9
4
1
0
11
1
16
0
0
108


Sources: STI: PopStats and STI: Colossus