A recently released economic impact study shows SUNY Jamestown Community College substantial contributions to the regional economy, student success, and societal well-being.
The independent study highlights how JCC enhanced the college’s service area in New York and Pennsylvania during the 2022–23 fiscal year by supporting local industries, students, taxpayers, and society overall.
Information for the study was compiled by Lightcast, a trusted global provider of labor market data and analytics, using data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and U.S. Census Bureau.
Key findings showed JCC’s influence on:
Economic growth: JCC generated $163.1 million in total income for the regional economy, supporting 2,136 jobs — approximately one in every 55 jobs in the college’s service areas. JCC’s $26.4 million operations spending supported 405 jobs. Alumni contributions added $134 million to the economy, representing 1,692 jobs. Additional income came from student and construction spending, totaling $2.6 million.
Student return on investment: JCC’s 4,591 credit students and 1,006 non-credit students received significant long-term benefits. The college’s associate degree graduates earn $6,800 more annually than those with a high school diploma. Over a lifetime, graduates gain $306,000 in additional earnings, with a 4.8-to-1 benefit-cost ratio for their education. Compared to the U.S. stock market’s 30-year average rate of return of 10.1%, a student’s investment in JCC reaps an average annual internal rate of return of 16.5%.
Taxpayer revenue: For every dollar of public funding for JCC, taxpayers received $1.10 in benefits, totaling $24.7 million in added tax revenue and public sector savings.
Societal well-being: JCC’s presence contributed $238.9 million in social benefits statewide through enhanced earnings, business productivity, and savings in healthcare, justice system costs, and income assistance programs.
"These findings affirm Jamestown Community College's vital role in strengthening our local economy and empowering students to achieve their potential,” said Daniel DeMarte, JCC president. “JCC remains committed to providing high-quality education and fostering economic and social progress in our community.”
View a copy of the full report or more information.