Analysis: PCC Boosts Economy by $887 Million Annually
April 17, 2012
Tucson, AZ – The education that Pima Community College students have received over the past 30 years translates into $887.3 million in increased earnings by Pima County residents and businesses each year, according to an analysis of PCC’s impact on the economy.
“The Economic Contribution of the Pima County Community College District,” a 76-page report completed in November 2011 by Economic Modeling Specialists Inc. (EMSI), a highly regarded research firm, evaluates the value of PCC’s programs and services.
EMSI’s conclusion: From student, taxpayer and societal perspectives, PCC is a sound investment.
Among the report’s highlights:
- Pima County residents have taken approximately 7.4 million credit-hours at PCC over the past 30 years. Those skills translate into higher earnings for students and increased output for businesses. “The added income attributable to the accumulation of PCC credits in the workforce amounts to $887.3 million each year,” according to the report.
- Throughout their working careers, typical PCC students’ lifetime income increases by $5.30 for every dollar they invest in PCC.
- For every $1 invested in PCC, taxpayers see return of $1.90 over the course of students’ working careers, in the form of higher tax receipts and avoided costs, such as unemployment claims.
“As a publicly funded institution, PCC takes very seriously the fiscal responsibilities that come with the stewardship of hard-earned tax dollars,” Interim Chancellor Dr. Suzanne Miles said. “We were hopeful that the report’s findings would demonstrate our value to our many constituents. We know that the people of Pima County have placed a great deal of trust in us.”
CONTACT:
C.J. Karamargin
Vice Chancellor for Public Information and Government Relations
(520) 206-4850
ckaramargin@pima.edu