Lawson State Creates Significant Economic Impact to Jefferson and Shelby Counties

Alabama's community colleges pump $6.6 billion into state economy

by Office of Public Relations

Birmingham, AL (02/16/2023) — BIRMINGHAM, Alabama (February 13, 2023) - Students and alumni of colleges within the Alabama Community College System add $6.6 billion to Alabama's economy, supporting one out of every 27 jobs in the state, according to an economic impact report released Monday.

The independent, 102-page report by Lightcast estimates the Alabama Community College System directly impacts 98,923 jobs in the state, representing about 2.7% of Alabama's gross state product. Additionally, taxpayers see a net benefit of $1.1 billion in added tax revenue from students' higher lifetime earnings and increased output to businesses.

"The results of the analysis demonstrate that the ACCS is a strong investment for all three major stakeholder groups-students, taxpayers, and society," according to the report. "Students receive a great return for their investments in an education from the ACCS. At the same time, taxpayers' investment in the ACCS returns more to government budgets than it costs and creates a wide range of social benefits throughout Alabama."

Particularly, in the Jefferson and Shelby counties of the state, Lawson State Community College has witnessed a significant return on investment for its major stakeholder groups - students, taxpayers, and society - and has had a substantial impact on the business community.

"A major component of our mission is to provide quality educational opportunities, promote economic growth, and enhance the quality of life for the diverse communities we serve," said Dr. Cynthia T. Anthony, president of Lawson State Community College. "The efforts we make on a daily basis to benefit our stakeholders are what give life to our mission."

According to Lightcast, in FY 2020-21, Lawson State added $284 million in income to the Lawson State Service Area economy. In terms of jobs supported, Lawson State's influence amounted to 3,920 jobs.

A breakdown of economic impacts reflected:

Operations spending: The net impact of the Lawson State's operations spending added $39.5 million in income to the regional economy in FY 2020-21

Student spending: The expenditures of relocated and retained students in FY 2020-21 added $6.7 million in income to the Lawson Service Area economy.

Alumni impact: The net impact of Lawson State's former students currently employed in the regional workforce amounted to $237.8 million in added income in FY 2020-21.

In an Investment analysis, the report presented:

Student perspective: In return for their investment, Lawson State students will receive a cumulative present value $152.7 million in increased earnings over their working lives. Additionally, for every $1.00, Lawson State students gain $10.10 in lifetime earnings.

Taxpayer perspective: Taxpayers provided Lawson State with $17.2 million of funding in FY 2020-21. In return, they will benefit from added tax revenue, stemming from students' higher lifetime earnings and increased business output, amounting to $53.6 million. For every dollar of public money invested in Lawson State, taxpayers will receive $3.40 in return, over the course of students' working lives.

Social perspective: Alabama contributed 58.3 million dollars to Lawson State in the 2020-21 fiscal year. In turn, during the duration of the students' working life, the Alabama economy will increase by $622 million.

Lightcast, a global leader in labor market analytics for colleges and universities, analyzed data using FY2020-21 academic and financial reports from Alabama's community and technical colleges, as well industry and employment data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Census Bureau.

The full report can be found at www.accs.edu/impact

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About Lawson State Community College

With two campuses located in Bessemer and Birmingham, Alabama, Lawson State Community College provides seamless administrative processes and educational support services for students, members of the community, and other constituents. Lawson State is comprised of two main divisions--an academic division and a career/technical division and prepares students for gainful employment and career advancement through comprehensive offerings in college transfer, workforce development, adult education, and dual enrollment programs. Learn more about LSCC at www.lawsonstate.edu or call 205-929-2515.

About ACCS

The Alabama Community College System (ACCS) is Alabama's gateway to first-class, affordable education and technical training to compete in a constantly evolving workforce. With 24 community and technical colleges in more than 130 locations, the ACCS benefits more than 144,000 Alabamians through various certification, credential, dual enrollment and degree programs ACCS offers alongside leading industry partners. A total of 95% of residents who study at Alabama's community colleges remain in the state. The System includes the Alabama Technology Network, which provides extensive training and service offerings directly to business and industry. ACCS is governed by the Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees.

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