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Marion 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.
 
Chattanooga College Medical Dental and & Technical Careers
Richmont Graduate University  
Covenant College  
The University of the South  
Northeast Alabama Community College  
Southern Adventist University  
Miller-Motte College-Chattanooga  
Chattanooga State Community College  
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga  
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
77
34

9,813
1,567

11,380
68
9
3
6
0
0
3
10
1

9,982
2
89
9
0

1,398

17

9,656
9,848
9,848
10,144


26,546
26,546
34,610

26,546
26,546
34,610

16,494
16,494
24,558

0
2,116
397
15
66
0

608
3
0
28
54
215
109
79
142
19
149
2
175
36
11
1,630
NA
NA

3,065
3,536

6,601
66
15
2
10
0
0
5
1
0

6,601
26
50
23
0

0

14

4,063
4,430
4,430
4,550


NA
NA
NA

17,450
17,450
30,650

10,250
10,250
23,450

991
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

306
0
0
7
53
24
14
17
63
9
67
0
71
10
1
642
NA
NA

3,594
73

3,667
31
54
0
6
0
1
6
1
0

3,667
0
18
82
0

0

49

NA
NA
NA
NA


NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

260
0
0
0
0
0

75
0
0
0
41
29
15
0
0
0
5
81
3
0
0
249
67
42

2,500
654

3,154
42
7
12
25
0
0
6
2
6

2,827
4
90
6
0

327

16

22,930
23,210
23,870
25,590


39,500
39,500
39,500

40,290
40,290
40,290

31,040
31,040
31,040

142
353
90
0
9
0

142
1
0
8
3
90
3
16
81
4
43
11
54
21
5
482
NA
NA

878
2,027

2,905
72
2
0
17
0
2
7
0
0

2,905
42
43
15
0

0

16

4,860
4,860
4,920
4,980


NA
NA
NA

21,120
21,120
24,930

11,620
11,620
15,430

520
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

92
0
0
1
24
20
2
4
1
0
10
0
46
2
0
202
51
18

1,641
52

1,693
80
4
1
6
0
0
3
1
5

1,615
1
99
0
0

78

9

47,980
49,418
51,146
53,698


71,986
71,986
71,986

71,986
71,986
71,986

56,648
56,648
56,648

0
376
41
0
1
0

191
0
0
3
44
81
13
28
53
8
176
1
132
37
1
768
82
40

866
62

928
87
1
3
3
0
0
1
1
3

908
5
94
1
0

20

12

36,710
37,770
38,860
40,464


58,012
58,012
58,012

59,040
59,040
59,040

48,040
48,040
48,040

0
155
26
0
0
0

70
0
0
4
3
23
14
8
29
6
39
1
26
0
0
223
NA
NA

153
198

351
81
11
2
3
0
0
0
2
0

0
NA
NA
NA
NA

351

NA

NA
NA
NA
NA


NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

0
0
93
0
0
0

35
0
10
4
14
4
10
2
18
0
0
0
3
1
0
101
NA
NA

311
0

311
45
34
3
18
0
0
0
0
0

311
0
33
67
0

0

22

10,690
10,690
10,690
10,690


NA
NA
NA

37,746
37,746
37,746

26,531
26,531
26,531

14
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

13
0
0
1
5
2
3
2
0
0
2
0
5
0
0
33


Sources: STI: PopStats and STI: Colossus