In the book The American College Town, Blake Gumprecht writes that a college town is a place where the number of four-year college students equals at least 20 percent of a town’s population. Muncie, Indiana, is one of nine college towns in Indiana. Across the country, these college towns exist the way they are economically and culturally because of the universities that exist there.
This week, Ball Bearings takes an in-depth look at the impact these universities have on their communities.
“The Impact of a University,” letter by editor-in-chief Miranda Carney
College towns across the nation wouldn’t exist without the universities that define them.
“College Town without the College,” video by Jessika Zachary and Dan Jacobsen
Residents of Muncie, Indiana discuss what the town would be like without Ball State University.
“Breaking the Town and Gown Divide,” by Miller Kern
University students feel a disconnect with the town they call home for four years.
“The Economy of a College Town,” by Keagan Beresford
College towns like Muncie, Indiana face challenges to thrive economically.
“Location Matters,” column by Colton LeTourneau
Despite the opportunities available in bigger cities, many students continue to choose attending college in smaller towns
