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A study conducted by Lightcast, a labor market research firm, found that California’s 116 community colleges contribute over $173 billion to the state economy each year.

The report reviewed the 2023-24 fiscal year for operations, construction, student spending and alumni productivity. The study found that the system’s activities and graduates make up 5% of California’s gross state product.

Operations, including $8.9 billion in payroll and benefits for 83,000 employees and $7.8 billion in goods and services, generated $7.3 billion in added income and supported more than 53,000 jobs.

Construction projects contributed $1.1 billion– equal to around 11,000 jobs. Student spending added an additional $8 billion and supported over 93,000 jobs.

Eight community colleges serve the greater Fresno area: Fresno City College, Clovis Community College, Reedley College, Madera College, College of the Sequoias, West Hills College Lemoore, West Hills College Coalinga and Porterville College.

“The California Community Colleges system is leading the way in opening doors of opportunity for Californians from all walks of life,” said California Community Colleges Chancellor Sonya Christian. “The release of our Economic Impact Report demonstrates how our colleges are innovating to provide learners of all ages with access to state-of-the-art educational opportunities at the lowest tuition rate in the country. The California Dream is fueled by our outstanding community colleges.”

The largest share is from alumni who currently work in the state, whose increased productivity added around $156.6 billion in income and supported 1.5 million jobs.