Introduction
America’s community colleges create value in many ways. With a wide range of program offerings, community colleges play a key role in helping students achieve their potential and develop vital skills. Community colleges also provide an excellent environment for students to grow socially and improve their self-confidence and mental health.
Key findings
This study shows that America’s community colleges have a significant positive impact on the national economy and create a solid return on investment for students, society, and taxpayers.
The enhanced skills and abilities of community college students bolster the output of U.S. employers, boosting income and helping build a more robust economy.
- Former community college students contributed $806.4 billion in added income in the national economy.
- Roughly 146,500 international students enrolled in America’s community colleges in 2012; they paid $1.2 billion to cover tuition, fees, books, and supplies.
- International students also added approximately $1.1 billion to the national economy when they bought groceries, paid rent, paid for transportation, and attended sporting events.
- In 2012, America’s community colleges contributed $809 billion to the U.S. economy—about 5.4% of GDP.
Community colleges also provide a good return on investment for students, society, and taxpayers.
- Students will receive $4.80 in additional future income for every $1 they paid for their education at community colleges.
- American society will receive approximately $1.1 trillion in added income over the students’ working careers. Society will also benefit from reduced crime, lower welfare and unemployment, and increased health and well-being.
These dollar figures have undoubtedly changed in the decade since they were collected. But as costs for four-year institutions have ballooned in the intervening years, the value of community colleges has only grown.