Using detailed administrative data from Virginia, this paper examines how and why the community college pathway to a baccalaureate influences students' degree attainment and short-term labor market performance. We find that the community college pathway sharply reduces the likelihood of earning a bachelor's degree but does not have a significant…

The unanimous passing of the Virginia Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2011 highlights the need to create a cost-effective pathway to baccalaureate degree growth. Using an exploratory case study design, this study compared the cost-effectiveness of two baccalaureate degree programs offered by institutions in the State University System of…

Although U.S. higher education has faced numerous crises and dilemmas in its history, the situation in which colleges and universities find themselves at the moment is indeed different. Shrinking public subsidies coupled with historic rises in tuitions come at the same time that colleges and universities have been tasked to dramatically increase…

In late 2007, Jobs for the Future (JFF), working with the Delta Project on Postsecondary Costs, Productivity and Accountability, launched "Investing in Student Success", a one-year pilot program. The pilot, conceived of as part of the "Making Opportunity Affordable" initiative and funded by Walmart Foundation and Lumina Foundation for Education,…

Examines quantitative economic impacts of community colleges on their communities through a case study of Cypress College (California). Results indicate favorable economic impacts on local businesses, local individuals, and local governments. An economic impact model is described. (JDS)

Emphasizes the need for effective leadership and management to cope successfully with reduced resources. Outlines benefits produced by two-year colleges to be considered in policy making, including student growth and development, service to community needs, impact on the community; and impact on other educational institutions. (MB)

A study was conducted of the economic impact of San Juan College (SJC) in Farmington, New Mexico, on businesses and employment in San Juan County during fiscal year (FY) 1991-92. The five components used to measure the college's tangible economic impact on the local community were SJC's total expenditures in FY 1991-92 used to buy goods and…

A comparison of the short-term economic costs of Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC) to Oneida County (New York) with the short-term economic benefits to Oneida County for the 1977-78 MVCC fiscal year revealed that MVCC had an annual operating budget of approximately ten million dollars. Of this, 13.41% or $1,330,738 was contributed by the…

Study results on the feasibility of and methods for providing non-traditional, postsecondary educational opportunities for the Fayette, Greene, and Washington counties area of Pennsylvania comprise this report. Summaries of the operations of the John Wood Community College in Illinois, the Hudson Community College Commission in New Jersey, and the…

Long-range planning assumptions and goals are presented for Muskegon Community College (MCC) as they were submitted by a committee of area citizens. After introductory material summarizing the committee's mandate and activities, the report discusses the fiscal, demographic, curricular, and administrative changes likely to affect MCC during the…

In an effort to determine the economic benefits that Oakland Community College (OCC) in Michigan had on the local economy of Oakland County and on the state during fiscal year 1991-92, an economic impact study was conducted. The study utilized an economic impact model consisting of three major components: direct institutional expenditures; direct…

Presents a discussion of community college education as an economic investment and the results of a recent study showing that, in 1974 dollars, (1) taxpayers receive an annually compounded rate of return on their community college investment of 12.11 percent for males and 11.34 percent for females, and (2) rates accruing to graduates are 5.6…

In 1995, Johnson County Community College (JCCC), in Kansas, conducted a study to estimate the economic benefit contributed by the college to the Johnson County economy for 1993-94. Following a model developed by J. G. Ryan, direct economic impact was assessed by examining institutional expenditures, expenditures by college employees, and…

This paper examines the ways in which the State of Texas economy benefits from the presence of Austin Community College (ACC). ACC pays $70.9 million in direct faculty and staff wages and salaries. The college pays wages and salaries, which generate additional incomes as they are spent, and their operating and capital expenditures generate still…

This paper examines the ways in which the State of Arizona and the local economy benefit from the presence of the Pima Community College (PCC) District. After the Executive Summary, Volume 1, the Main Report, discusses findings from the study. The Pima Community College District paid $68.2 million in direct faculty and staff wages and salaries in…