The faculty and staff of Abilene’s three universities are not the only thankful ones when the students return from summer. The whole community is drastically affected.

The return of college students to Abilene greatly improves the economy and helps out businesses in the area.

“Ultimately, higher education is big business in Abilene,” President of the Abilene Chamber of Commerce Mike McMahan said. “The community is glad to have the students back, and we would like to welcome them back for the year.”

Students not only help the local economy by bringing business to stores, they also fill employment positions. Students occupy minimum-wage jobs that help companies run smoothly without having to pay high salaries.

“It is a two-fold deal. Not only do the students bring their business to companies, they also bring their employment,” McMahan said. “Ultimately, they bring a great deal to the community.”

Restaurants and fast food franchises are greatly affected by the return of students. Due to the magnitude of business students provide, fast food chains near campus offer special student deals. Chicken Expresses offers a student special that serves more chicken for less than their normal combo-meal price.

Other franchises partner with colleges to give students discounts through the Collegiate Card.  Arby’s, Betty Rose’s, Burger King, Denny’s, Fazoli’s, IHOP, KFC and Quizno’s offer a 10 percent discount on meals. Sonic offers any size drink for just $0.99.

All of these discounts are offered as necessities for businesses to compete for students’ business.

Students returning to ACU dramatically affect franchises, such as KFC, that are within a close proximity to campus.  Overall, Abilene’s economy thrives on the business it receives from the students, not only because of the students’ spending, but also by filling job positions in the community.

As McMahan said,”The economic impact of having college students back approaches a million dollars a day, every day, 365 days a year.”