Macomb Community College provides substantive economic value, adding nearly $890M to county’s income

Every $1 invested by students in their Macomb education yields a return of $6.10 in higher future earnings

A recent economic impact study demonstrates that Macomb Community College retains and creates wealth in the community, while returning more tangible value than the tax dollars it takes in. The study found that the college and its students add $886.7 million in income to the county’s economy. This equates to 1.8% of Macomb County’s gross regional product, with 11,784 jobs - one of out every 40 - in the county supported by the activities of the college and its students. Lightcast, a global pioneer in the collection and big-data analysis of labor market information, completed the study employing fiscal year 2021-22 academic and financial data, which was the latest year for which complete data was available at the time of the study.

The study consisted of two components: an investment analysis, which is a comparison of costs and benefits to determine return on investment, and an economic impact analysis, which measures how an event or institution affects the local economy.  

“This economic impact study highlights the tangible value of Macomb Community College’s mission of transforming lives and communities through the power of education, enrichment and economic development,” said James O. Sawyer IV, Ed.D., president, Macomb Community College.  “The college is a key partner in our community’s economic vitality and resiliency. Not only does Macomb prepare residents for workplace opportunity, but the college is also fostering development of highly skilled talent who are vital to sustaining and growing local business and industry.”

The study demonstrated a substantial 22.1% percent return on investment in a Macomb education.  For every $1 spent in the form of out-of-expenses as well as forgone time and money, students gain a return of $6.10 in higher future earnings.

Taxpayers receive a return of $2.60 over the working lives of Macomb alumni for every $1 of public money invested in Macomb Community College. This 6.6% rate of return compares favorably to other long-term investments in the public sector.

Michigan residents receive $11.70 in return for every dollar invested in Macomb Community College. During the analysis year, Michigan invested $222.1 million to support the college. In turn, the Michigan economy will grow by $2.5 billion over the course of students’ working lives. Society will also benefit from $52.7 million of public and private sector savings.

The report, The Economic Value of Macomb Community College, is available on the college’s website

About Macomb Community College

Macomb Community College (www.macomb.edu) is one of the nation’s leading community colleges, providing learning experiences to nearly 40,000 students annually.  Macomb nationally ranks in the top two percent in the number of associate degrees awarded by community colleges and is the largest grantor of associate degrees in Michigan. The college’s comprehensive educational programming includes pre-collegiate experiences, university transfer and career preparation programs, bachelor degree completion and graduate degree programs, workforce training, professional education and certification, and continuing education and enrichment opportunities.

Media contact: Sean M. Patrick, 586.445.7271, patricks28@macomb.edu