COCC Quick Facts

The Economic Value of COCC

A new study demonstrates the transformative value and benefits that Central Oregon Community College generates for the regional economy. Lightcast, a leading provider of economic impact studies and labor market data, has released both statewide and regional reports assessing the economic impact of Oregon’s 17 community colleges. These studies find that COCC creates a strong net-positive impact on the Central Oregon economy and generates a positive return on investment for students, taxpayers, and society.


 

Rate of Return

The students’ benefit-cost ratio is 4.6. In other words, for every dollar students invest in COCC in the form of out-of-pocket expenses and forgone time and money, they will receive a cumulative value of $4.60 in higher future earnings. Annually, the students’ investment in COCC has an average annual internal rate of return of 22.7%.

Rate of return for students


The activities of COCC and its students support one out over every 43 jobs in the region

Supported Jobs

COCC's total impact can also be expressed in terms of jobs supported. The $289.6 million impact supported 3,562 regional jobs, using the jobs-to-sales ratios specific to each industry in the region. This means that one out of every 43 jobs in the COCC District is supported by the activities of COCC and its students. 

 
 

 


Increase in Earnings

In return for their investment, COCC’s students will receive a stream of higher future earnings that will continue to grow throughout their working lives. For example, the average COCC associate degree graduate from FY 2021-22 will see annual earnings that are $8,000 higher than a person with a high school diploma or equivalent working in Oregon.

Graduates see an $8,000 increase in earnings


Source: The Economic Value of Central Oregon Community College (Fiscal Year 2021-22) by Lightcast Economic Impact Study