A study conducted by Lightcast reported Lone Star College has an annual economic influence of $2.7 billion, emphasizing the important role the college plays in its region. Lightcast is a leading provider of economic impact studies and labor market data to educational institutions, workforce planners and regional developers in the U.S. and internationally.
“Lone Star College always seeks to contribute to the community, especially helping students learn the skills necessary to become productive citizens,” said Mario K. Castillo, J.D., LSC chancellor. “It is gratifying to know that Lone Star College also has a positive influence on the regional economy and the benefits generated by the college for students, taxpayers and society.”
The study showed:
- For every dollar invested in LSC in FY 2022-23, Texas residents will receive $14.30 in return, for as long as LSC’s FY 2022-23 students remain active in the state workforce.
- Students receive a cumulative present value of $1.9 billion in increased earnings over their working lives in return for their investment. This translates to a return of $6 in higher future earnings for every dollar students invest in their education. Students’ average annual rate of return is 19.9%.
“The report showed the average Lone Star College associate degree graduate will see an increase in earnings of $10,700 each year compared to someone with a high school diploma working in Texas,” said Castillo. “That’s why it is so important for us to make sure our students complete their education.”
In addition to providing world-class education, LSC is committed to ensuring students have the necessary resources to help them graduate including programs such as LSC TechConnect, which provides digital resources such as laptops and iPads for long-term checkout complete with software.
An economic impact study measures how an event or institution affects the local economy. The Lightcast report noted LSC provides an economic boost similar to hosting the Super Bowl six times. Visit LoneStar.edu/About-Us-Institutional-Research to view the full report.
Lone Star College enrolls over 80,000 students each semester providing high-quality, low-cost academic transfer and career training education. LSC is training tomorrow’s workforce today and redefining the community college experience to support student success. Mario K. Castillo, J.D., serves as Chancellor of LSC, the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area and has been named a 2023 Great Colleges to Work For® institution by the Chronicle of Higher Education. LSC consists of eight colleges, seven centers, eight Workforce Centers of Excellence and Lone Star Corporate College. To learn more, visit LoneStar.edu.