A comprehensive analysis by Lightcast, a labor market analytics organization, reveals that California’s network of 116 community colleges contributes over \$173 billion annually to the state’s economy. The findings, based on fiscal year 2023–24 data, assess institutional operations, construction activity, student expenditures, and long-term workforce contributions by alumni.\n\nThe research indicates that the system accounts for 5% of California’s total gross state product. Operational spending—including \$8.9 billion in employee compensation for approximately 83,000 staff and \$7.8 billion on goods and services—generated \$7.3 billion in additional income and sustained more than 53,000 jobs.\n\nCapital projects added \$1.1 billion to economic output, equivalent to supporting around 11,000 positions. Student spending contributed another \$8 billion and helped maintain over 93,000 employment opportunities across various sectors.\n\nThe largest portion of economic value stems from graduates currently employed within the state. Their enhanced productivity is estimated to contribute approximately \$156.6 billion in income and support 1.5 million jobs.\n\nIn the greater Fresno region, eight institutions serve local learners: Fresno City College, Clovis Community College, Reedley College, Madera College, College of the Sequoias, West Hills College Lemoore, West Hills College Coalinga, and Porterville College.\n\nChancellor Sonya Christian of the California Community Colleges system highlighted the role of these institutions in expanding access to education and fueling economic mobility.\n\n”Our colleges are at the forefront of creating pathways for individuals from diverse backgrounds,” Christian stated. “This economic impact report underscores how we’re delivering cutting-edge learning experiences at the nation’s most affordable tuition levels. The California Dream thrives because of our robust community college network.”\n— news from thebusinessjournal.com\n\n— News Original —\nEconomic report shows $173B boost from California’s community colleges\nA study conducted by Lightcast, a labor market research firm, found that California’s 116 community colleges contribute over $173 billion to the state economy each year. \nThe report reviewed the 2023-24 fiscal year for operations, construction, student spending and alumni productivity. The study found that the system’s activities and graduates make up 5% of California’s gross state product. \nOperations, including $8.9 billion in payroll and benefits for 83,000 employees and $7.8 billion in goods and services, generated $7.3 billion in added income and supported more than 53,000 jobs. \nConstruction projects contributed $1.1 billion– equal to around 11,000 jobs. Student spending added an additional $8 billion and supported over 93,000 jobs. \nEight community colleges serve the greater Fresno area: Fresno City College, Clovis Community College, Reedley College, Madera College, College of the Sequoias, West Hills College Lemoore, West Hills College Coalinga and Porterville College. \n“The California Community Colleges system is leading the way in opening doors of opportunity for Californians from all walks of life,” said California Community Colleges Chancellor Sonya Christian. “The release of our Economic Impact Report demonstrates how our colleges are innovating to provide learners of all ages with access to state-of-the-art educational opportunities at the lowest tuition rate in the country. The California Dream is fueled by our outstanding community colleges.” \nThe largest share is from alumni who currently work in the state, whose increased productivity added around $156.6 billion in income and supported 1.5 million jobs.
