As a Collective,why Did a Universitas Have Considerable Leverage in Negotiations

As a collective,why did a universitas have considerable leverage in negotiations with local leaders?

A) Its students were a source of income for a town.
B) It had the blessing and endorsement of the church.
C) It had the backing of the local citizenry.
D) The town required the wisdom of its students.
E) Students were feared by the citizens and leaders.