Analyzes U.S. college towns to identify the largest local economies, key industries, and university impacts on growth and jobs.
Problem
College towns are important economic centers, but their impact is often underappreciated. There is no simple way to compare how universities influence local economies through spending, jobs, and population dynamics. The economic contributions of universities extend far beyond direct employment, affecting housing markets, local businesses, and regional growth, but these effects are rarely quantified or compared across different college towns.
Overview
This project analyzes the economic structure of U.S. college towns, highlighting the industries, labor dynamics, and growth patterns shaped by nearby universities. It provides a comprehensive view of how higher education institutions drive local economic activity, from direct employment to multiplier effects in surrounding communities.
How It Works (Approach)
Using Census, BEA (Bureau of Economic Analysis), and IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) datasets, the system calculates economic indicators for each college town, such as employment sectors, income levels, university-related economic contributions, and population growth. The analysis accounts for university size, type (public vs. private), and local economic context. These metrics are visualized through interactive dashboards and maps that allow for comparison across different college towns and regions.
Impact / Value
Policymakers gain evidence to support university funding and understand the return on investment in higher education. Students can make more informed decisions about where to attend college by understanding local economic opportunities. Researchers can study the relationship between universities and economic development, while citizens gain a clearer picture of how their local university contributes to community prosperity.
Key Features
- Economic analysis of college towns
- Industry and labor breakdowns
- University impact metrics
- Geographic and comparative visualizations
- Integration with national economic datasets