New Jersey’s community colleges trace their roots back to 1933 when Union College was founded. Since then, the number of colleges has grown to 18 institutions across the state.
Enrolling in these institutions leads to increased earnings for graduates and $12.8 billion in added income for the New Jersey economy, according to this report from the New Jersey Council of County Colleges and Lightcast. For perspective, this impact from the colleges is greater than the entire Utilities industry in the state. The impact of $12.8 billion is equivalent to supporting 135,492 jobs. For further perspective, this means that one out of every 46 jobs.
The study also found that investing in New Jersey community colleges brings significant return on investment for taxpayers and society: For every tax dollar spent educating students attending NJ’s Community Colleges, taxpayers will receive an average of $2.60 in return over the course of the students’ working lives.