KCC drives local economic growth

New data shows that Kankakee Community College is a powerful driver of the area’s economy.

A new report, The Economic Value of the Community Colleges of Illinois, highlights Illinois Community College Board data and a separate report specifically about KCC was also released. The statewide study shows Illinois community colleges generate $27.2 billion in total economic impact and supports 324,273 jobs.

Effectively, according to the report, “one out of every 48 jobs in the KCC Service Area is supported by the activities of KCC and its students.”

“Kankakee Community College provides the foundation for a skilled workforce, thriving commerce, and upward mobility for residents across our entire service region.,” said Dr. Lesley Cooper, vice president for Institutional Effectiveness at KCC.

The report was compiled by Lightcast, a labor market analytics and economic data company. It reflects fiscal year 2023-24 data.

“This report and the data it presents validate what residents of our service area already know, that this community’s college is an economic engine which creates prosperity, not just for our students and our alumni, but for all the businesses, industries and partner organizations we work with,” said Dr. Michael Boyd, president of KCC. “At KCC, the impact is clear—we are preparing students for family-sustaining careers while delivering real economic value to local employers and the communities we serve.”

The study was commissioned by the Illinois Community College Board. It finds that Illinois community colleges contribute to the economy through operations, construction, student spending, and — most significantly — the long-term success of their graduates. Alumni impact alone accounts for $25 billion in added income to the state economy.

“Illinois community colleges are one of the smartest investments we can make in our state’s future,” said ICCB Executive Director Brian Durham. “This study makes it clear — our colleges are not only transforming lives through education, but they are also strengthening Illinois’ economy, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs, and delivering real returns for taxpayers and communities across the state.”

KCC Impact

These are key study findings for the KCC service area, which has 130,000 in all of Kankakee and portions of Ford, Grundy, Iroquois, Livingston and Will counties.

• $108.1 million: The impact of the increased earnings of KCC alumni and the businesses they work for
• $22.6 million: the impact of the college’s annual payroll and other spending
• 1 out of 48 jobs in the KCC Service area is supported by the activities of KCC and its students.
• $6,400: The average annual increase in earnings of a KCC associate degree graduation compared to someone with a high school diploma working in Illinois.

Statewide Impact Highlights

Key findings from the study include:

• $27.2 billion total economic impact in Illinois
• 324,273 jobs supported — equal to 1 out of every 26 jobs statewide
• $1.8 billion generated through college operations
• $385.5 million added through student spending
• $25 billion in economic impact from alumni contributions
• 538,541 students served during FY 2023–24

The study also highlights strong returns on investment:

• Students: $4.30 in lifetime earnings for every $1 invested
• Taxpayers: $1.30 return for every $1 invested
• Society: $6.70 return for every $1 invested