Delta's economic impact calculated at $570M
October 08, 2021
STOCKTON -- Delta College pumps more than $570 million into the local economy each year in the form of alumni earnings and spending, while also supporting nearly 6,900 jobs in the community, according to a recent economic impact study.
It's long been known that Delta plays a critical role in the community, helping thousands of students each year transfer to four-year universities or launch new, living-wage careers right out of Delta.
This is the first time, however, that the College has been able to quantify its beneficial impact in dollars and cents.
In addition to the overall $572.3 million annual economic impact, the study found that:
- For every $1 invested in the College through state and local funds, taxpayers get $1.20 back in added tax revenue and public sector savings;
- For every $1 spent by students on their education, students get $4.70 back in lifetime earnings; and
- For every $1 spent by society as a whole through all college and student costs, society gets $8.80 back in added state revenue and social savings.
Significantly, the study also notes that the average associate degree graduate from Delta College will earn $8,700 more per year than those with high school diplomas or the equivalent.
Overall, the College is providing a good return on investment to its stakeholders, and is having a demonstrable impact on the community, said Sterling Smith, an economist with the firm EMSI, which conducted the analysis.
"Sutdents and taxpayers are all getting positive returns on the investment that they made, and there are thousands of jobs being supported in the local community because of the work that Delta College has done," Smith said.