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Washington 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.
 
CHI Health School of Radiologic Technology
Universal College of Healing Arts  
College of Saint Mary  
Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health  
Clarkson College  
Midland University  
University of Nebraska Medical Center  
Iowa Western Community College  
Creighton University  
University of Nebraska at Omaha  
Metropolitan Community College Area  
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
NA
NA

4,853
11,111

15,964
48
9
3
18
0
0
5
16
1

15,964
41
36
23
0

0

19

3,195
3,195
3,285
3,285


NA
NA
NA

17,376
17,376
18,906

7,035
7,035
8,565

1,383
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

440
0
0
4
86
85
50
67
99
1
90
12
147
22
1
1,104
87
25

10,993
4,022

15,015
62
7
5
15
0
0
5
1
5

11,859
2
81
17
0

3,156

15

8,136
8,136
8,136
8,370


24,974
24,974
38,962

25,362
25,362
39,350

13,364
13,364
27,352

0
2,414
869
31
0
0

736
18
7
19
23
218
106
32
193
9
129
10
155
15
16
1,686
72
20

7,192
1,063

8,255
69
3
9
9
0
0
5
1
2

4,262
2
95
4
0

3,993

10

43,018
44,524
45,590
47,000


63,790
63,790
63,790

62,830
62,830
62,830

51,000
51,000
51,000

1
1,069
334
57
804
0

755
47
0
35
2
231
329
108
107
62
174
5
261
24
8
2,148
NA
NA

2,370
3,133

5,503
65
9
2
10
0
1
3
8
3

5,503
39
47
14
0

0

19

6,120
6,495
6,540
6,780


21,890
21,890
22,040

21,556
21,556
21,706

13,140
13,140
13,290

707
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

197
0
2
1
25
53
17
24
63
5
45
5
58
4
3
502
NA
NA

2,939
847

3,786
72
3
5
7
0
0
4
1
8

897
0
78
22
0

2,889

2

NA
NA
NA
NA


NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

0
435
294
68
331
0

690
248
593
5
46
359
231
705
156
1,102
223
0
560
58
35
5,011
67
29

1,223
334

1,557
59
8
2
16
0
0
2
7
6

1,333
11
84
5
0

224

13

35,528
36,746
38,300
40,270


56,148
56,148
56,148

56,148
56,148
56,148

45,386
45,386
45,386

0
228
78
0
0
0

104
0
0
0
45
19
9
8
52
5
2
0
9
0
0
253
64
100

238
840

1,078
72
7
3
4
0
0
12
2
0

613
0
54
45
0

465

18

14,496
14,880
14,880
15,168


26,522
26,522
26,522

28,238
28,238
28,238

18,874
18,874
18,874

43
127
94
0
24
0

63
0
0
2
18
22
7
4
14
0
0
0
6
1
0
137
88
56

799
241

1,040
76
6
3
8
0
1
2
4
0

752
1
68
32
0

288

12

16,903
16,691
17,228
18,173


36,281
36,281
36,281

40,867
40,867
40,867

26,557
26,557
26,557

62
243
91
0
0
54

76
0
0
1
17
26
9
3
2
6
0
1
11
0
0
152
44
47

618
115

733
64
8
3
18
0
0
3
3
2

482
3
75
22
1

251

7

21,370
21,800
22,450
23,340


37,278
37,278
37,278

42,914
42,914
42,914

29,400
29,400
29,400

0
133
115
4
52
0

101
0
0
3
27
24
5
6
18
0
11
1
10
5
0
211
NA
NA

24
3

27
85
7
4
4
0
0
0
0
0

27
0
22
74
4

0

10

11,327
11,822
11,822
11,822


NA
NA
NA

24,110
24,110
24,110

17,102
17,102
17,102

6
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

5
0
0
0
0
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
7
NA
NA

25
0

25
68
0
4
24
0
0
4
0
0

25
0
72
28
0

0

8

NA
NA
NA
NA


NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

0
12
0
0
0
0

2
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
3


Sources: STI: PopStats and STI: Colossus