R-CCC President’s Column Monthly in 2022
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As we pause during April to celebrate National Community College Month, it is also an appropriate time to recognize the important contributions and positive impact that Roanoke-Chowan Community College and North Carolina’s other community colleges have on our local and state economies.
In fact, a new, in depth economic impact analysis found R-CCC has a total annual impact of $33 million on our local economy - supporting more than 607 jobs across Hertford, Bertie, and Northampton counties.
This return on investment is BIG - not only for the students and graduates who directly benefit - but for our local communities, our state, and North Carolina’s taxpayers.
In addition, the report specifically assesses three high-demand career fields and the impact they have on our region, including: Industrial Systems/Engineering Technology, Criminal Justice, and Early Childhood Education.
Thanks to these and many other programs, Roanoke-Chowan Community College provides students with the education, training, and skills they need to have fulfilling and prosperous careers - and in creating more jobs, wealth, and opportunities for local residents.
North Carolina’s 58 community colleges represent a combined $19 billion in annual impact on the state’s economy - while supporting one out of every 19 jobs in the state.
Importantly, the reports also show that our community colleges generate nearly double the return from what they take in from the taxpayers each year. For every $1 the state invests, taxpayers get $1.90 back in added tax revenues and public sector savings.
The economic impact studies also found that for every dollar the state invests in North Carolina’s Community Colleges, the state gains $7.50 in added incomes and social savings.
This is because North Carolina community college graduates have higher incomes that contribute to a larger tax base and a growing state.
Students who graduate with an associate’s degree from a N.C. community college will see an increase in earnings of up to $7,000 or more each year compared to a person with a high school diploma or equivalent.
We hope you will want to learn more. Copies of Roanoke-Chowan Community College’s economic impact study, fact sheets, and summaries can be found online at www.roanokechowan.edu or at BigROIforNC.org/RCCC where you can also find more information about the statewide economic impact study, and summaries for each of North Carolina’s 58 community colleges.
The new economic impact study for Roanoke-Chowan Community College shows that investing in our community college generates a BIG return on investment for local employers and taxpayers, increases economic opportunity and mobility for our students, and prepares more local residents for the jobs of today and tomorrow.
We are deeply grateful for this region’s continued investment and support. We look forward to helping more students gain the knowledge and skills they need to succeed, and in working together to support this community and grow our local economy.