Study: MiraCosta College contributes $338 million to county gross

MiraCosta College generates a total economic impact of $338.4 million to San Diego County’s Gross Regional Product annually — enough to support 5,041 jobs in its service area — according to a new report from an Idaho-based firm that specializes in analyzing the economic impact of colleges and universities.

“As chair of the California Community Colleges Task Force on Workforce, Job Creation and a Strong Economy, I have had the opportunity to see firsthand the important role that community colleges up and down the state play in keeping our economy growing, and this report underscores how MiraCosta College is helping to set the path,” Superintendent/President of the MiraCosta Community College District Sunita Cooke said in a news release.

The Emsi study found that for every dollar of public money invested in MiraCosta, taxpayers are receiving a return of $1.80 in benefits via higher earnings and increased business output.

The study also reported that MiraCosta employs more than 1,000 full-time and part-time employees; a student who earns an associate degree from MiraCosta College will see an increase in earnings of $11,700 each year compared to someone with a high school diploma; and that students educated at MiraCosta College are yielding a total savings of $39.8 million in benefits derived from reduced law enforcement, welfare, unemployment and other related social costs.

“MiraCosta College is proud to be having such a profound impact in our community,” said President of the MiraCosta Board of Trustees David Broad.

— Submitted press release