EMSI recently completed an Economic Impact Study for Highline Community College in Des Moines, Washington. The South Sound Business Examiner reported the details:
Highline Community College’s alumni and operations contribute $248.4 million to King County’s economy every year, according to an economic impact study commissioned by the college.
The report shows that the Des Moines-based school supports King County’s economy through college operations, additional revenue from skilled alumni and spending by international students while living in the region.
The skills obtained by the college’s former students have the greatest impact, contributing $210.5 million annually from alumni’s higher earnings and increased output for local businesses.
College operating expenses and employee earnings contribute about $34.2 million and spending by international students on room and board, transportation and other personal expenses brings $3.7 million in additional income to King County each year.
During the 2009-10 academic year, Highline enrolled 527 international students and employed 1,401 individuals.
Taxpayers see a return of $1.60 for every dollar of state and local support over the course of students’ working careers, according to the report, which was completed by Economic Modeling Specialists Inc. of Moscow, Idaho.