Study: $3.9 billion local income boost from Northern Colorado Public Colleges and Universities
February 25, 2020
Four institutions provide impressive return on investment and support one of every eight jobs in Larimer and Weld.
The four public colleges and universities in Northern Colorado added $3.9 billion in income to the economy of Larimer and Weld Counties and supported one of every eight jobs in the region in the fiscal year 2017-18, according to the results of a new economic impact study released Feb. 25.
The Northern Colorado Public Colleges and Universities (NoCoPCU) in the economic value study are Aims Community College, Colorado State University, Front Range Community College and the University of Northern Colorado. The study, conducted by Emsi, measured the overall economic impact of NoCoPCU, and also the return on investment for students and Colorado taxpayers.
The study uses a wide array of data based on several sources, including the FY 2017-18 academic and financial reports from NoCoPCU; industry and employment data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Census Bureau; outputs of Emsi’s Multi-Regional Social Accounting Matrix model; and a variety of published materials relating education to social behavior.
Above (l-r):UNC President Andy Feinstein, Aims President Leah Bornstein, Front Range President Andrew Dorsey, and CSU President Joyce McConnell field questions as part of a panel discussion during the unveiling of the economic impact report at the Leadership Northern Colorado meeting Tuesday, Feb. 25. Photo courtesy of Curtis Ellzey, Aims Community College
Highlights of the economic impacts of NoCoPCU for Larimer and Weld Counties include:
- The net impact of institutions’ day-to-day operations (payroll, expenses and employee spending) during the analysis year was approximately $1.1 billion in added income to the Larimer and Weld economy.
- NoCoPCU’s research spending generated $299 million for the region.
- The net impact of NoCoPCU’s construction spending in FY2017-18 was $126 million.
- Start-up and spin-off companies generated $227.9 million.
- Spending by students, those who relocated or stayed in the region and who wouldn’t be in the region if not for the institutions, added approximately $147.9 million.
- Contributions from alumni currently employed in the regional workforce amounted to $2 billion.
- This combined total equates to a $3.9 billion impact, or 50,594 jobs supported for Larimer and Weld Counties’ economy during FY17-18.
The overall economic value is significantly higher than was measured in a similar
study conducted two years earlier, and the count of supported jobs increased markedly,
due to updates and improvements in methodology, background data, and institutional
data. As a result, the present study offers a more relevant, comprehensive picture
of the institutions’ value.
The study also included an investment analysis which looked at the total amount NoCoPCU
received in FY 2017-18 through tuition and fees, government student aid, and other
all other revenue, as provided by students, taxpayers and society. That investment
resulted in an average rate of return of 12.3% for the investment students make, and
14.1% for the investment by taxpayers.
Student Perspective
NoCoPCU’s FY 2017-18 students paid a present value of $641.5 million to cover the
cost of tuition, fees, supplies, and interest on student loans. They also forwent
$495.8 million in money they would have earned had they been working instead of attending
college.
In return for their investment, students will receive $3.6 billion in increased earnings
over their working lives. This translates to a return of $3.20 in higher future earnings for every dollar students invested in
their education. Students’ average annual rate of return is 12.3%. The study notes this return outpaces
the average 9.9% return investors see in the U.S. stock market.
Taxpayer Perspective
Taxpayers provided NoCoPCU with $307.2 million of funding in FY 2017-18. In return,
they will benefit from added tax revenue, stemming from students’ higher lifetime
earnings and increased business output, amounting to $1 billion. A reduced demand
for government-funded services in Colorado will add another $236.1 million in benefits
to taxpayers.
For every dollar of public money invested in NoCoPCU, taxpayers will receive $4 in
return, over the course of students’ working lives. The average annual rate of return for taxpayers is 14.1%.
Social Perspective
In FY 2017-18, Colorado invested $2.5 billion to support NoCoPCU. In turn, the Colorado
economy will grow by $12.4 billion, over the course of students’ working lives. Society
will also benefit from $649.5 million of public and private sector savings.
For every dollar invested in NoCoPCU in FY 2017-18, people in Colorado will receive
$5.20 in return, for as long as NoCoPCU’s FY 2017-18 students remain active in the
state workforce.
Quotes from the presidents of the NoCoPCU institutions
Dr. Leah L. Bornstein, Aims president
“At a time when many have questioned the necessity of higher education, these data
points demonstrate both the inherent value of post-secondary credentials to a region
and the need for continued support of higher education.”
Joyce McConnell, CSU president
“Public colleges and universities offer an incredible return on investment, not just
for the students who receive a life-changing education, but for the communities that
are home to the institutions. This report reinforces the critical role higher education
plays as a key driver of our regional economy, and the ripple effect institutions
have in making our communities desirable places to live, work and learn.”
Andrew Dorsey, Front Range Community College president
“This data shows that both students and the public earn a high return on their investments
in higher education. And it confirms what we hear regularly from our graduates – that
education opens doors and changes lives. As more and more jobs require post-secondary
credentials, the benefits of public education to students and to Northern Colorado
will only grow. “
Andy Feinstein, UNC president
“This report affirms the important role of Northern Colorado’s public higher education
institutions not just as gateways to opportunity, but as economic engines for our
communities, the region, and the state. Simply put, whether you are a student pursuing
a degree, a state or local government, or a partner in industry, there is always great
value in investing in higher education.”
Media Coverage
9News reporter Marc Sallinger interviews President Feinstein for this story.
Other Coverage:
- NoCo’s public colleges, universities generate nearly $4B economic impact (BizWest)
- Have you ever wondered what Northern Colorado would look like without Colorado State University, the University of Northern Colorado or its two community colleges, Front Range and Aims? (Coloradoan)
About Emsi and the NoCoPCU institutions
- Emsi
Emsi is a labor market analytics firm that integrates data from a wide variety of sources to serve professionals in higher education, economic development, workforce development, talent acquisition, and site selection. Emsi is a leading provider of economic impact studies and labor market data to educational institutions in the U.S. and internationally. Since 2000, Emsi has completed over 2,000 economic impact studies for institutions across three countries. - Aims Community College
Aims Community College is one of the most progressive two-year colleges in Colorado. Founded 52 years ago in Greeley, Aims has since established locations in Fort Lupton, Loveland and Windsor. Curriculum now includes 4,000 day, evening, weekend and online courses annually in more than 200 degree and certificate programs. Aims Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Aims Community College is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and an Equal Opportunity Educational Institution. - Colorado State University
Colorado State University, one of the nation’s top-performing public research institutions, has more than 34,000 students, and annual research funding of more than $300 million. Founded in 1870 as Colorado’s land-grant institution, CSU’s is renowned for its world-class faculty and research and academic programs in infectious disease, atmospheric science, clean energy technologies, human and animal health, environmental science, global business and more. CSU graduates on average carry less student debt and are employed at a higher rate than their peers nationwide. - Front Range Community College
FRCC is the largest community college in Colorado—with three campuses along the Front Range. The college focuses on the success of more than 27,000 students annually in classes for college credit, and more than 5,000 people each year in business training and continuing education. FRCC offers almost 200 degrees and certificates. We are the top transfer institution for the University of Colorado Boulder and Colorado State University. We also train students for immediate employment in more than 35 high-demand fields. - University of Northern Colorado
UNC is a doctoral research university with premier programs in education, health sciences, business and the performing arts. Founded in 1889 as the state teachers' college, UNC has always worked to promote human understanding and enrich lives. With approximately 13,000 students enrolled, UNC focuses on five areas of engaged learning: research and creative work, civic engagement, global experiences, leadership and professional experience.
