All the local elementary and high schools are back in session, but there is still one school left to see students return to classes.

Troy University will resume classes Wednesday and many students who have left the area for the summer are making their returns with move-in day today on campus.

The return of the students, as well as many faculty members, is a major component of the local economy.

“Our student population adds tremendously to our local economy; they shop here and eat at the restaurants here,” said Marsha Gaylard, president of the Pike County Economic Development Corporation. “They’re a large portion of our economy and they’re not all here all the time; so when they’re here, it’s a significant contribution to our economy.”

Of Troy’s estimated population of approximately 20,000, Troy university brings in approximately 7,000 to 8,000 students per year, with university officials seeking to grow enrollment to 10,000 over the next decade.

Not only do the students spend money at local businesses, they provide a larger workforce pool for employers as well, especially in the retail sector.

“A lot of our businesses seeking part-time employment depend on the student population for their employment base,” Gaylard said. “Troy is extremely blessed to have Troy University here; it makes our community much larger.”

The student population helps to sustain local business as well as recruiting new retailers.

Marcus Paramore, president of the Troy City Council and director of government relations at Troy University, said both university and city benefit from a mutual relationship.

“The university has a major impact on the economy of the City of Troy and Pike County and the entire area,” Paramore said. “We’re excited about he start to a new academic year; we think it will be one of our biggest and best years ever. I believe we have the best students and faculty and staff of any institution and we’re eager to get back to work.”