North Idaho College (NIC) has made a significant economic impact, contributing $273.2 million to the local economy and supporting nearly 4,000 jobs during the fiscal year 2023-24. This data comes from an economic impact study set to be presented at the June 25 NIC Board of Trustees meeting. NIC President Nick Swayne emphasized the college’s role in boosting the economy, supporting jobs, and reinvesting in the community.
The study highlights that NIC’s former students employed in the regional workforce contributed $205.9 million, while the college’s operational spending added $53.2 million. Additionally, expenditures by relocated and retained students accounted for $14.2 million. Taxpayer benefits totaled $38.1 million, including increased tax revenue and public sector savings. For every dollar invested in NIC, Idaho residents can expect a $4.50 return as long as the students remain active in the state workforce.
One out of every 39 jobs in the NIC service area is supported by the college’s activities. The study was conducted by Lightcast, a Moscow-based provider of economic impact studies and labor market data. This analysis aligns with NIC’s 2025-2030 Strategic Plan, which focuses on collaboration with regional partners to meet evolving educational and workforce needs.
Swayne noted that such reports provide valuable context for measuring impact and identifying areas for improvement. The full report will be available during the board meeting, which can be attended in person or via Zoom.
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Newsroom
NIC pumps $273 million into local economy, fuels nearly 4,000 jobs
Posted: Wednesday, Jun 25, 2025
North Idaho College added $273.2 million to the local economy — equivalent to supporting 3,992 jobs — in fiscal year 2023-24, according to an economic impact study to be presented at the June 25 NIC Board of Trustees meeting.
“These numbers confirm what we already knew — NIC delivers broad and lasting value,” said NIC President Nick Swayne. “The college boosts the economy, supports thousands of jobs, and puts money back into community. NIC is an investment that pays off tremendously.”
Other highlights:
Of the total economic impact of $273.2 million, NIC’s former students currently employed in the regional workforce amounted to $205.9 million; the college’s operations spending added $53.2 million; and expenditures of relocated and retained students added $14.2 million.
Total taxpayer benefits amounted to $38.1 million, including added tax revenue and public sector savings.
For every dollar invested in NIC, people in Idaho will receive $4.50 in return, for as long as NIC’s FY 2023-24 students remain active in the state workforce.
One out of every 39 jobs in the NIC service area is supported by the activities of the college and its students.
The study was compiled by Moscow-based Lightcast, a leading provider of economic impact studies and labor market data to educational institutions, workforce planners and regional developers. Since 2000, Lightcast has completed more than 3,000 economic impact studies for educational institutions.
The analysis supports the goals outlined in NIC’s 2025-2030 Strategic Plan, which emphasizes collaboration with regional partners to anticipate and meet shifting demands in education and workforce development.
“Reports like this give us the context we need to measure real impact,” Swayne said. “They hold us accountable. They show where we’re succeeding and where we can do even better.”
Full Economic Impact Study Report with Executive Summary
Attend the board meeting in person at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, June 25, at the Parker Technical Education Center, 7064 W. Lancaster Road, Rathdrum or connect via Zoom at https://nic.zoom.us/j/88326927404.
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