New report details the economic impact of community colleges in Illinois

Posted on September 29, 2021
African American students say their pay increase by 47% and Latin-X students by 57%. (Photo courtesy: WJBC/File)

By WJBC Staff

SPRINGFIELD – A new report looks at the economic impact of community colleges in Illinois.

The study found that more than 84% of applied sciences students earning an Associates or long-term certificate got a solid paying job within a year of graduation.

Students in other fields such as Architecture, Manufacturing, and Construction are also doing well, earning $54,000 to over $60,000 within five-years of graduation.

“Community Colleges clearly remain a solid return on investments from local communities and the students that use them,” said Illinois Community College Board Executive Director Brian Durham. “Our system plays a vital role in meeting that need for providing quality training, and education that gives students a great opportunity to earn higher wages in countless industries throughout the state,.”

The report found that the total impact of Illinois community colleges on the statewide economy in fiscal year 2020 was about $3.5 billion and more than 43,000 jobs.

African American students say their pay increase by 47% and Latin-X students by 57%.

WJBC Staff can be reached at [email protected].

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