In north Alabama, numerous institutions of higher learning have grown and evolved over time and producing a tremendous impact for the regional economy in a diversity of ways and to a variety of extents. 

For the most part, these institutions are not restricted by political divisions or boundaries, so the economic growth of these organizations have allowed these universities to have been able to pursue pinnacles of success that adds to high quality programs at each of these campuses. The Valley boasts institutions of higher learning such as Athens State University, Alabama A&M University the University of North Alabama, and The University of Alabama in Huntsville.

Each of these organizations have their list of strengths that validate their economic value. These organizations are also complex in nature. And while some of their contributions can be measured in dollars, other aspects of their economic influence are a little more difficult to quantify. For instance, contributions of a four-year university or an academic campus university that offers research capabilities can add tremendous value to its regional economy and is often centered around specific economic elements and quality of life issues — people, education, research, innovation, and business assistance.

While many of the positive economic characteristics of these institutions are weighed in favor of Huntsville, most of these organizations have established an economic influence that often expands to the boundaries of the entire north Alabama region and some beyond the borders of Alabama into southern Tennessee.

People – employees & graduates

One of the methods of accurately measuring economic impact would clearly be through employment numbers and salary figures of the various economic centers across the Valley. With more than 12,000 employees, the payroll of the region’s public universities and their graduates clearly establish these four campuses as leading economic drivers for the Valley. 

While those numbers are staggering, the value added to these organizations by the workforce takes these numbers to a new level. The academic background of these employees is among the highest in the state and nation with more than 90 percent having achieved at least a four-year degree, or in many cases, they add to their resume by earning advanced degrees. 

Individuals earning four-year or advanced degrees in the Valley boast a higher-than-average wage thus creating more affluent citizens who generate more income, a higher level of taxes and are less dependent on government services. Alumni from these universities have demonstrated a propensity of staying in the Valley because of the substantial job opportunities spread out across the region. 

On average, college graduates earn $900,000 more during their career when compared to high school graduates, or $20,000 annually, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. This is an extra one billion dollars a year produced by the estimated 50,000 plus graduates who have earned at least a four-year degree.

Business assistance

Athens State University’s Center for Lifelong Learning has recently established the “LaunchBox” Entrepreneurial Center. LaunchBox will serve to support and catalyze entrepreneurship, small business growth, new product development, job creation, and economic development efforts for the City of Athens and Limestone County. 

Located in the fastest growing county in Alabama, LaunchBox will serve as a collaborative workspace for aspiring entrepreneurs, students, investors, small businesses, idea makers, and government for the purpose of creating new jobs, increasing investment, and innovating business solutions across the Valley. 

The center plans to offer business development assistance, professional network and relationship support, community educational programs, and facility-based services. The center will also include multi-use, collaborative workspace, virtual pre-incubator programming, a technology-based conference room, and ongoing technical support services to strengthen and diversify the regional entrepreneurial econsystem.

Athens State University has also received a $400,000 National Science Foundation grant to strengthen industry partnerships and build faculty capacity for innovation collaboration. Athens State aims to transform how faculty engage with industry partners to create better learning opportunities for students and research opportunities for faculty.

“This initiative marks an exciting time of growth and collaboration for our institution,” said Dr. Katie Holm, Associate Professor of Career & Technical Education. She outlined key goals for the program.

• Faculty Development:  Faculty fellowships to train faculty in building industry relationships, grant management, and partnership development.
• Partnership Infrastructure: Create a centralized system to inventory existing partnerships, develop policies, and support faculty in building sustainable industry relationships.
• Student Success: Host annual student showcases where students demonstrate career skills to industry partners, leveraging ASU’s existing relationships with local industry.

“This program will help Athens State build the infrastructure needed to support long-term, innovative industry partnerships that benefit students, faculty, and regional economic development.” Holm added. This collaborative approach positions Athens State University to better serve rural North Alabama while strengthening the university’s role in the regional innovation economy.

ASU – Leader in higher education value

Intelligent.com, a widely respected source for higher education rankings and research, has recognized multiple programs at Athens State University in its 2025 rankings for value. The university has been widely recognized as a leader in value for its online programs.

• Most affordable online human resources degree (3rd)
• Most affordable online master’s degree in accounting (12th)
• Most affordable online master’s degree in human resources (14th)
• Best online human resources degree (15th)
• Best online logistic degree (21st)
• Best online master’s degree in supply chain management (27th)

Rankings include awarded top honors across several disciplines, reinforcing ASU’s status as a leader in higher education value.

Athens State’s online Master’s in Strategic Leadership & Business Analytics program has also been ranked #3 in the country on AnalyticsDegrees.org’s list of the Most Affordable Online Master’s in Business Analytics Degree Programs. AnalyticsDegrees.org manually researched each school on its list and determined its rankings based on tuition and fees, residency, program inclusion, and accreditation information.

Athens State is one of those institutions of higher learning in the region that has evolved over time. ASU has added numerous academic courses and degree programs in recent years that closely match the needs of Redstone Arsenal and Cummings Research Park, thus contributing to regional workforce solutions and creating a tremendous economic impact on the Valley’s economy.

Ray Garner served in the Alabama Legislature from North Alabama and was a member of the Education Finance Committee in the Alabama House of Representatives. He is also the former business editor of The Huntsville Times.