Content from our friends over at North Texas Daily
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
UNT Dallas could provide boost for local economy
A study by San Francisco-based Economic Research Associates shows that if UNT Dallas grows at the same rate it has been since its founding in 2000, the first and only public university in Dallas could potentially contribute $459 million each year to the Dallas economy by 2030.
The 84-page report, released in mid-January, covers the direct and indirect economic impact a public university could have on Dallas, including the demand for retail and housing developments in the surrounding areas. The report predicts that as many as 3,429 jobs could be created.
The report measures the economic impact of the future UNT Dallas in two time "horizons": the first at the new school's projected opening in 2010 and the second in 2030, when the student population at the Dallas campus is expected to reach 16,000.
In the first time horizon, the report estimates a $103 million economic impact based on the current staff and physical developments. Those physical developments and construction alone are estimated to contribute more than $700 million to the local economy by 2030 with the growth of the campus.
The study also shows the number of students who attain a higher education could significantly increase because of the new accessibility to a public university. Currently, the universities within Dallas city limits include Southern Methodist University, Dallas Baptist University, and Paul Quinn College. All are private institutions.
Gregory Tomlin, a spokesman for the UNT Dallas campus, said the staggering difference between attending a public university such as UNT Dallas versus a private one is the top attraction to potential students. Closeness to home and proximity to a growing city such as Dallas are also key factors, Tomlin said.
"It's cheaper to go here," Tomlin said, comparing UNT Dallas to a private university.
The report states that an affordable, accessible institution such as UNT Dallas also helps retain students that would otherwise transfer to a four-year institution outside of the region and increase the average level of education of the North Texas population.
UNT Dallas selected an independent research body to conduct the research to discourage ideas of bias, said Tomlin.
"We wanted to make sure it couldn't be said that we had an invested interest in this," Tomlin said. "Nothing like this university had been created in the 20th century. This would be the first top-10 university created in multiple decades."
Daniel Oney, a research and information manager with the Office of Economic Development in Dallas, said that while a big project like this will face obstacles, the university and its potential for growth is welcome.
"I love the idea, and the city is glad to have the university," Oney said. "A project like this has been a focal point of our development objectives, and [the university] will be able to the support other developments."
The future of this project relies on continued state support in funding, and the increasing student interest in public institutions.
"There is no sign of a slowdown," Tomlin said.
Pegasus News content partner - North Texas Daily
