RSCCD says Orange County economic impact reached $2.4 billion

Rancho Santiago Community College District says its colleges, students and alumni generated $2.4 billion in added income across Orange County and supported 25,305 jobs, according to a Lightcast analysis based on FY 2023-24 data. The report also says RSCCD delivers strong returns for students, taxpayers and local employers.

Why it matters: - RSCCD says its colleges and students are a major economic engine in Orange County. - The district says the impact reaches households, employers and public finances through education, workforce training and higher earnings. - The analysis ties community college spending to job creation, tax revenue and long-term regional growth.

What happened: - Rancho Santiago Community College District says it generated $2.4 billion in added income across Orange County. - RSCCD says its activity supported 25,305 jobs, or one out of every 96 jobs in Orange County. - The district said the latest economic impact analysis was conducted by Lightcast. - The report is based on Fiscal Year 2023-24 data. - RSCCD said the analysis was developed with the Orange County Regional Consortium.

The details: - RSCCD alumni generated $1.9 billion in added income and supported 19,007 jobs, according to the report. - District operations contributed $323.8 million and supported 3,906 jobs. - Student spending added $169.5 million and supported 2,319 jobs. - Santa Ana College generated about $1.6 billion in economic impact and supported 16,729 jobs. - Santiago Canyon College generated about $662.8 million in economic impact and supported 7,116 jobs. - Students receive an average of $6.30 in higher future earnings for every dollar invested in their RSCCD education, the report found. - Taxpayers receive an estimated $1.80 in added tax revenue and public-sector savings for every dollar invested in the district. - RSCCD says its colleges and continuing education programs prepare students for transfer, career advancement and employment. - RSCCD says those programs also help Orange County employers meet workforce needs. - The district includes Santa Ana College and Santiago Canyon College. - RSCCD provides credit and noncredit education, transfer pathways, career education and workforce training.

Between the lines: - The report frames RSCCD as both an education provider and a regional workforce asset. - The alumni figure makes clear that the biggest economic effect comes after students leave campus and enter the labor market. - The taxpayer return suggests the district is positioning itself as a public investment with measurable fiscal payback.

What's next: - RSCCD is likely to keep using the report to bolster its case for continued support from students, employers and public officials. - The district will continue emphasizing transfer, career education and workforce training as Orange County's labor needs evolve. - Future updates could track whether the economic impact grows as enrollment, completion and workforce demand change.

The bottom line: - RSCCD is presenting itself as a $2.4 billion regional economic contributor, not just a community college district.