NWSCC pumps $179.9M into local economies
PHIL CAMPBELL – Northwest Shoals Community College pumped $179.9 million into the local economies during the 2023-24 fiscal year, according to a recently released independent report on the economic impact of the state’s community college program.
The report by the labor marketing firm Lightcast also indicated that the economic impact supports 3,045 jobs at the Phil Campbell and Muscle Shoals campuses.
Northwest Shoals is home to approximately 4,750 students and offers over 100 certificate and degree programs.
NWSCC President Jeff Goodwin said the report allows the college to quantify the impact it has on its communities each year.
“Our community college system knows how important it is to capture the impact of how we serve our communities every day,” Goodwin said. “This report puts numbers to the impact we see and hear every day through our countless alumni and student testimonials.”
One of the largest takeaways from the report is regarding the impact made by NWSCC alumni.
“Today, thousands of former NWSCC students are employed in the NWSCC service area,” according to the report. “As a result of their education from NWSCC, the students receive higher earnings and increase the productivity of the businesses that employ them.”
In fiscal year 2023-24, NWSCC alumni generated $140.1 million in added income for the regional economy, which is equivalent to supporting 2,194 jobs, the report stated.
The report shows one out of every 39 jobs in the NWSCC service area is supported by the activities of the community college and its students.
The average NWSCC associate’s degree graduate earns $7,700 more each year than a resident who does not obtain more than a high school diploma, according to the report.
Statewide Lightcast analyzed data using fiscal year 2023-24 academic and financial reports from Alabama’s community and technical colleges, the Alabama Technology Network as well as industry and employment data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the U.S. Census Bureau.
The 130-page report found students and alumni of colleges within the Alabama Community College System added $8.1 billion to the state’s economy, an amount equal to about 3% of Alabama’s total gross state product.
The report indicates the state’s community colleges support 114,043 jobs within Alabama, which is equivalent to one out of every 26 jobs.
Some students, who might have otherwise left Alabama for higher education, stay because of the opportunities available at the state’s community colleges, according to the report.
In the 2023-24 school year, 3% of the students attending Alabama’s community college system were out of state residents with some relocating to Alabama specifically to attend a community college.
“Our students and graduates are working, earning, and reinvesting in Alabama’s communities,” the Alabama Community College System Chancellor Jimmy H. Baker said. “Businesses across the state rely on them to keep operations strong. No other entity has a greater reach in education and workforce training, and we are committed to ensuring every student leaves our colleges prepared to contribute to their communities, their industries and Alabama’s economic growth.”
