Community colleges boost Alabama economy by billions, report says

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) – Hundreds of thousands of students are enrolled in In Alabama’s community college system, benefiting from its affordability and accessibility. Now, a new study shows the rest of the state’s residents benefit as well.

“What this study truly validates is that the Alabama community college system is an economic driver to the state, generating tax dollars, generating wealth, and also improving the quality of lives of a tremendous number of individuals,” ACCS Director of Workforce Development Barry May said.

A study by the independent market analytics company Lightcast shows that Alabama community colleges cost the state about $700 million a year but provide an economic impact of $8.1 billion and support around 114,000 jobs.

Representatives of Montgomery’s Trenholm State Community College say these institutions fill an important niche.

“The thing about Trenholm State Community College is it literally is the college for the community,” Jessica Madison, Director of Marketing and Public Relations for Trenholm State said. “We make an impact here in the River Region that is far beyond just the simple fact of education.”

Last fiscal year, Trenholm had a total local impact of nearly $114 million and supported 1,700 jobs.

The study also shows those who graduate from Trenholm, or any Alabama community college, earn, on average, $9,000 more per year than those who don’t pursue higher education.

“Our professors, our deans, they are intentional about ensuring that our graduates actually have a position once they graduate,” Madison said.

In the 2023-2024 fiscal year, for every $1 of taxpayer dollars that went into Trenholm State, taxpayers gained $1.50 in added tax revenue and public sector savings, and students gained $6.70 in lifetime earnings.

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