(CENTREVILLE) – Glen Oaks Community College is an economic asset to Southern Michigan.

Glen Oaks, in partnership with Lightcast, began a journey to quantify its influence on the local economy, focusing on 13 zip codes across St. Joseph, Branch and Cass Counties. The comprehensive study spotlighted Fiscal Year 2021-2022 and revealed Glen Oaks’ pivotal role in boosting the business landscape and yielding remarkable benefits for its primary stakeholders: students, taxpayers and the community at large.

The key findings of this economic impact study showed that Glen Oaks’ operations injected $9.6 million into the local economy. It also added $500,000 as an economic boost for construction projects and $600,000 in student spending. The study also shows that alumni influence generated $19.3 million and the overall impact of the school amassed a total economic infusion of $39.9 million into St. Joseph County and supported 665 jobs.

The study revealed that every dollar students invest in their education at Glen Oaks translates to $6.30 in higher lifetime earnings, with an average annual return of 20.8%. Also, public investment in Glen Oaks promises a $1.30 return for every dollar spent over students’ working lives, marking an average annual return of 1.3%.

Michigan’s economy benefits significantly, with a $7.50 return for every dollar invested in Glen Oaks during the fiscal year 2021-2022, as long as these students continue contributing to the State’s workforce.