Study Shows Central Lakes College Contributes $95 Million, 1,252 Jobs to Regional Economy
Brainerd/Staples, MN – Central Lakes College today released the results of a study that estimates the economic impact of Central Lakes College on the regional economy to be $95 million and 1,252 jobs.
“In addition to focusing on the success of our students, CLC plays a vital role in supporting our state and regional economy,” said Central Lakes College president Larry Lundblad. “Our operations and the economic activity generated by our faculty, staff, and students touch virtually every corner of our regional economy and support local business and industry.”
The study was conducted by Wilder Research, a nationally recognized source of data used by state and local planners, policy makers and service providers.
Jose Diaz, research scientist for Wilder, said, “This economic impact research provides a statistically valid measurement of the significance of an organization’s activities on the regional economy. Policy makers and community leaders can use the data to inform their decisions. Central Lakes College clearly has a significant impact on the regional economy.”
The study also concluded that CLC generates approximately $5 million in tax revenues for state and local government.
The study further estimated the value of the increase in productivity that the 602 degrees/diplomas awarded by CLC in 2011 will yield throughout the careers of the graduates. Assuming a 40-year work life, the education received by these graduates will yield additional state income of $56 million. “Central Lakes College makes a long-term contribution to the regional economy with every graduating class because the productivity improvements from higher education last for the worker’s entire career,” said Diaz.
On a statewide level, the Wilder study shows the seven state universities and 24 community and technical colleges that are part of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System:
• Generate an annual economic impact of $8.3 billion (direct impact of $5 billion and indirect impact in other industries of $3.3 billion).
• Represent a return of $13.53 for each $1 of state appropriation.
• Generate an estimated 80,856 jobs in the state (56,876 direct jobs and 23,979 additional indirect jobs created by vendors, contractors and businesses supplying inputs to our colleges and their students).
• Generate approximately $490 million in tax revenues for Minnesota state and local governments.
In addition to the impact outlined above, the enhanced productivity of MnSCU graduates across the state is equivalent to $4.7 billion of future value created each year.
In addition to the impact outlined above, the enhanced productivity of MnSCU graduates across the state is equivalent to $4.7 billion of future value created each year.
Copies of the report may be obtained from Kenn Dols at 218-855-8132 or kdols@clcmn.edu.
