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Lawrence 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.
 
Tri-State Bible College
Huntington Junior College  
Mountwest Community and Technical College  
Ohio University-Southern Campus  
University of Rio Grande  
Shawnee State University  
Marshall 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
96
28

8,362
2,665

11,027
76
5
2
3
0
0
3
10
1

8,235
12
77
11
0

2,792

15

8,512
8,552
8,604
8,942


25,294
25,294
36,646

24,516
24,516
35,868

16,142
16,142
27,494

127
1,431
687
27
206
0

896
11
28
33
56
159
103
96
185
2
123
0
118
62
0
1,872
NA
NA

2,114
1,092

3,206
43
3
1
0
15
1
1
34
2

2,982
20
68
11
0

224

16

9,354
9,748
9,341
9,622


26,372
26,372
32,907

25,014
25,014
31,549

15,222
15,222
21,757

182
388
63
0
4
0

174
0
0
6
7
42
10
12
39
0
29
2
33
8
1
363
NA
NA

1,201
967

2,168
64
3
0
1
0
0
7
13
11

2,030
29
54
17
0

138

15

27,481
20,060
20,060
20,560


36,288
36,288
36,288

38,148
38,148
38,148

27,648
27,648
27,648

242
116
4
0
0
0

105
0
0
4
0
12
12
6
29
2
8
11
41
13
0
243
NA
NA

403
1,236

1,639
84
3
0
3
0
0
4
5
0

1,639
11
72
17
0

0

13

5,674
5,774
6,004
6,178


NA
NA
NA

17,320
17,320
20,312

10,326
10,326
13,318

55
21
0
0
0
0

37
0
0
0
1
1
0
0
2
0
0
0
3
0
0
44
NA
NA

709
750

1,459
79
4
0
1
0
0
4
10
1

1,459
18
51
30
0

0

13

4,464
4,692
4,818
4,818


NA
NA
NA

20,319
20,319
27,505

10,550
10,550
17,736

161
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

77
0
0
1
15
9
5
4
0
0
2
0
11
2
0
126
NA
NA

193
16

209
84
13
0
0
0
0
2
1
0

209
0
12
88
0

0

25

9,600
10,050
10,050
10,050


NA
NA
NA

18,522
18,522
18,522

12,240
12,240
12,240

31
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

8
0
0
0
1
4
2
0
1
0
0
0
3
0
0
19
NA
NA

1
19

20
90
10
0
0
0
0
0
0
0

16
0
6
88
6

4

1

9,100
9,100
9,100
9,100


NA
NA
NA

28,928
28,928
28,928

14,768
14,768
14,768

0
0
0
0
0
0

10
0
0
0
1
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
13


Sources: STI: PopStats and STI: Colossus