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Catawba 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.
 
Western Piedmont Community College
Lenoir-Rhyne University  
Mitchell Community College  
Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute  
Catawba Valley Community College  
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

1,128
3,285

4,413
64
6
7
17
0
0
4
1
1

4,413
38
46
15
0

0

13

2,367
2,367
2,367
2,367


NA
NA
NA

30,727
30,727
36,103

14,253
14,253
19,629

770
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

282
0
0
2
15
66
4
27
37
0
11
2
39
10
1
496
NA
NA

1,190
2,574

3,764
77
4
1
10
0
2
2
3
1

3,764
32
45
22
0

0

15

2,528
2,537
2,537
2,537


NA
NA
NA

26,613
26,613
32,757

14,913
14,913
21,057

730
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

200
0
0
5
27
34
21
14
33
0
27
4
41
8
0
414
NA
NA

895
2,722

3,617
68
10
4
14
0
1
5
0
0

3,617
45
41
14
0

0

14

2,651
2,651
2,651
2,651


NA
NA
NA

23,307
23,307
29,451

11,495
11,495
17,639

407
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

159
0
0
4
8
42
14
8
10
0
20
3
37
5
0
310
81
7

1,705
525

2,230
67
12
2
6
0
0
4
3
6

1,477
3
92
6
0

753

15

39,900
41,500
43,000
30,900


48,410
48,410
48,410

48,410
48,410
48,410

35,510
35,510
35,510

0
334
284
0
0
16

162
0
0
5
29
32
9
8
74
7
10
0
41
0
0
377
NA
NA

562
1,229

1,791
71
6
6
15
0
1
1
0
0

1,791
32
44
23
0

0

11

2,577
2,630
2,641
2,650


NA
NA
NA

21,332
21,332
27,476

13,395
13,395
19,539

287
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

117
0
0
2
15
28
8
5
17
0
5
2
22
6
0
227


Sources: STI: PopStats and STI: Colossus