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Currituck 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.
 
Centura College-Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach Theological Seminary  
Centura College-Norfolk  
Centura College-Chesapeake  
South University-Virginia Beach  
Sentara College of Health Sciences  
Advanced Technology Institute  
Fortis College-Norfolk  
Eastern Virginia Medical School  
Bryant & Stratton College-Virginia Beach  
Virginia Wesleyan University  
Norfolk State University  
Regent University  
ECPI University  
Tidewater Community College  
Old Dominion University  
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
91
20

15,350
7,191

22,541
44
29
5
10
0
0
6
2
3

17,736
2
73
25
0

4,805

15

10,966
10,800
11,220
12,262


31,654
31,654
52,054

31,654
31,654
52,054

17,062
17,062
37,462

0
3,542
1,099
138
85
0

1,141
32
0
20
148
170
240
233
272
27
223
0
288
63
16
2,873
NA
NA

4,988
10,924

15,912
43
28
5
12
0
0
8
2
1

15,912
22
47
31
0

0

21

5,561
5,561
5,561
5,714


NA
NA
NA

31,831
31,831
37,834

16,173
16,173
22,176

2,122
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

425
0
0
7
54
173
33
42
17
0
52
0
97
31
4
935
83
33

11,622
123

11,745
34
39
3
15
0
1
5
3
0

11,385
1
30
69
0

360

12

16,639
17,479
18,484
18,484


NA
NA
NA

32,788
32,788
32,788

22,348
22,348
22,348

1,681
1,240
183
0
0
0

645
3
0
9
406
120
36
64
22
0
0
7
68
0
0
1,380
41
22

4,646
5,522

10,168
42
30
2
10
0
1
4
10
2

4,577
5
37
57
2

5,591

20

18,720
18,820
19,680
20,686


32,832
32,832
32,832

36,758
36,758
36,758

25,174
25,174
25,174

25
636
1,090
345
205
0

157
0
0
15
170
30
53
35
130
0
46
0
40
9
0
685
87
17

5,252
793

6,045
2
83
0
5
0
0
6
1
2

5,510
3
83
13
0

535

18

9,622
9,622
9,622
9,910


27,502
27,502
39,004

27,502
27,502
39,004

14,760
14,760
26,262

1
781
128
10
0
0

286
0
0
35
112
191
54
41
97
0
118
0
165
29
10
1,138
71
20

1,214
497

1,711
42
19
2
8
0
2
5
20
3

1,626
10
81
9
0

85

13

36,910
36,910
36,960
36,960


53,073
53,073
53,073

53,193
53,193
53,193

41,680
41,680
41,680

0
253
38
0
0
0

99
0
0
4
32
22
5
10
37
1
11
1
20
0
0
242
NA
NA

713
626

1,339
25
57
2
7
0
0
6
1
0

1,339
1
37
61
0

0

19

17,746
18,087
17,544
18,457


NA
NA
NA

25,662
25,662
25,662

21,762
21,762
21,762

296
34
0
0
0
0

78
0
0
0
21
20
2
4
54
0
2
1
25
0
0
207
NA
NA

979
256

1,235
50
13
18
8
1
0
6
3
0

0
NA
NA
NA
NA

1,235

NA

NA
NA
NA
NA


NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

0
0
284
35
149
0

252
52
60
13
58
162
60
53
36
109
80
5
304
11
8
1,263
NA
NA

431
0

431
8
79
2
3
1
0
5
1
0

431
0
26
74
0

0

24

15,977
16,305
16,514
14,083


NA
NA
NA

41,875
41,875
41,875

20,162
20,162
20,162

52
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

18
0
0
0
0
7
3
0
5
0
0
0
2
0
0
35
61
58

377
0

377
44
33
2
13
1
1
5
1
0

377
0
56
44
0

0

13

13,200
13,200
14,568
14,568


NA
NA
NA

26,821
26,821
26,821

18,151
18,151
18,151

40
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

24
0
0
0
10
4
1
0
1
0
0
0
2
0
0
42
NA
NA

283
17

300
62
14
10
6
1
0
6
1
0

245
0
44
56
0

55

7

NA
NA
NA
NA


NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

35
91
30
0
0
0

49
0
0
5
7
11
5
5
4
0
0
0
2
1
0
89
NA
NA

183
87

270
17
58
6
11
1
0
3
2
1

252
0
22
78
0

18

11

17,014
17,014
17,014
18,238


NA
NA
NA

36,577
36,577
36,577

25,279
25,279
25,279

10
37
22
0
0
0

18
0
0
0
13
5
1
1
0
0
1
0
2
0
0
41
NA
NA

164
61

225
19
61
3
6
0
0
11
0
0

225
0
40
60
0

0

14

16,637
16,637
16,637
16,637


NA
NA
NA

37,481
37,481
37,481

25,451
25,451
25,451

20
23
0
0
0
0

13
0
0
0
0
10
0
0
0
0
0
0
16
0
0
39
NA
NA

126
67

193
13
68
0
10
1
2
7
0
0

193
0
41
59
0

0

15

16,637
16,637
16,637
16,637


NA
NA
NA

39,584
39,584
39,584

25,969
25,969
25,969

13
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

8
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
7
0
0
17
NA
NA

10
25

35
77
14
0
6
0
0
3
0
0

2
0
0
100
0

33

1

NA
NA
NA
NA


NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

0
0
3
0
0
0

6
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
7
NA
NA

1
7

8
38
50
0
0
0
0
13
0
0

8
0
38
63
0

0

7

16,637
16,637
16,637
16,637


NA
NA
NA

39,584
39,584
39,584

25,969
25,969
25,969

18
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

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


Sources: STI: PopStats and STI: Colossus