Community Colleges Have a

$19 Billion Annual Impact

on the North Carolina Economy

Study finds Wayne Community College has an over $114 million annual impact on regional economy

April 13, 2022

By Meredith Radford, Public Radio for Eastern North Carolina

An economic impact analysis found Wayne Community College has an over $114 million annual impact on the regional economy and supports around one of every 26 jobs in the county.

According to a news release, the impact of the increased earnings of WCC alumni and the businesses they work for totaled almost $59 million. The average student who graduates from Wayne Community College with an associate degree will see an increase of $7,600 in earnings compared to someone with a high school diploma or equivalent.

North Carolina conducted economic impact studies for each of the state’s 58 community colleges along with a statewide report. The overall report showed the state’s community colleges represent a combine $19 billion in annual impact on the economy.

The study found for every dollar the state invests in NC’s community colleges, it gains $7.50 in added incomes and social savings.

PARTNERING ORGANIZATIONS

This report was developed from a working group of community partners formed to collaborate with Emsi Burning Glass to produce an Economic Impact Study (EIS) and five Program-Specific Economic Impact Studies (PSEIS) for each of the 58 community colleges and the combined system with support from the North Carolina General Assembly.