Colleges and Communities: A Preliminary Analysis of the Impact of Four-Year Colleges and Universities on Communities

Abstract

This study examines all counties in the United States that have four-year colleges and universities and compared the civic, socio-economic, and health factors of college communities compared to those without four-year institutions. The data analyzed, using single factor analysis of variance, provide evidence that counties with colleges and universities have higher levels of civic engagement and social capital, higher median incomes, and lower mid-life mortalities than counties without four-year institutions. The results have implications for municipalities and counties with baccalaureate institutions. The results are particularly important from a policy perspective as institutions face financial challenges from the coronavirus pandemic.