Ersys Logo Ersys Name
El Paso County – Colleges/Universities 2023-2024

Picture of valves

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 Technical College
Pima Medical Institute-El Paso  
Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine  
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center-El Paso  
New Mexico State University-Alamogordo  
Western Technical College  
Southwest University at El Paso  
New Mexico State University-Dona Ana  
New Mexico State University-Main Campus  
The University of Texas at El Paso  
El Paso 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

7,232
17,188

24,420
5
2
1
83
0
0
0
8
1

24,420
35
49
17
0

0

22

3,274
3,274
3,274
3,274


NA
NA
NA

21,198
21,198
23,238

11,019
11,019
13,059

3,321
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

621
0
0
28
5
108
136
75
2
0
66
0
446
6
0
1,493
100
35

16,154
8,197

24,351
5
2
1
84
0
0
1
1
5

20,609
2
80
18
0

3,742

20

9,450
9,744
9,744
9,744


25,916
25,916
41,684

28,362
28,362
44,130

15,910
15,910
31,678

0
3,849
1,253
152
84
0

892
78
2
44
22
451
337
218
222
31
96
0
199
76
20
2,688
76
21

11,296
3,483

14,779
27
3
1
58
0
3
3
1
6

12,113
3
78
19
0

2,666

15

7,301
7,301
7,627
8,147


26,111
26,111
43,235

26,847
26,847
43,971

14,085
14,085
31,209

0
2,407
751
83
21
0

760
25
142
5
50
96
414
414
212
48
150
3
433
159
41
2,952
NA
NA

2,898
3,951

6,849
19
2
1
70
0
2
2
2
2

6,849
13
59
27
0

0

20

1,776
1,776
1,842
2,322


NA
NA
NA

21,022
21,418
25,060

8,260
8,656
12,298

916
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

217
0
0
2
16
19
26
32
21
1
34
2
62
9
1
442
NA
NA

1,817
0

1,817
6
6
1
86
0
0
0
0
0

1,817
0
40
59
0

0

19

16,000
16,000
16,000
16,000


NA
NA
NA

27,550
27,550
27,550

23,210
23,210
23,210

625
52
0
0
0
0

95
0
0
3
0
29
11
8
11
0
24
12
51
0
0
244
NA
NA

594
554

1,148
15
4
1
72
1
1
7
0
0

1,148
0
49
51
0

0

30

NA
NA
NA
NA


NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

274
29
0
0
0
0

99
0
0
1
1
24
17
4
0
0
0
24
13
2
0
185
NA
NA

289
799

1,088
36
2
2
50
0
3
4
1
1

1,088
15
46
38
1

0

13

2,054
2,064
2,136
2,616


NA
NA
NA

20,571
20,955
24,027

8,554
8,938
12,010

66
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

41
0
0
0
4
5
8
3
8
0
11
0
12
4
0
96
NA
NA

874
48

922
21
6
20
47
0
0
3
3
0

235
0
34
66
0

687

9

NA
NA
NA
NA


NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

0
173
24
0
87
0

285
7
0
0
5
151
29
72
37
404
205
1
504
25
16
1,741
NA
NA

687
0

687
43
5
26
18
0
0
5
3
0

0
NA
NA
NA
NA

687

NA

NA
NA
NA
NA


NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

0
0
0
0
134
0

27
2
0
4
24
38
9
7
0
0
0
0
31
0
0
142
NA
NA

667
0

667
10
5
1
79
0
1
4
0
0

667
0
53
46
0

0

25

NA
NA
NA
NA


NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

96
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA

26
0
0
0
9
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
5
0
0
42
NA
NA

500
135

635
20
6
1
62
1
0
9
0
0

619
0
25
75
0

16

30

NA
NA
NA
NA


NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

NA
NA
NA

93
41
6
0
0
0

54
0
0
1
0
7
3
4
0
0
0
7
4
1
0
81


Sources: STI: PopStats and STI: Colossus