Wallace Community College Selma Blog

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wallace Community College Selma Contributes $66.9 Million to Regional Economy

Economic Impact Report Highlights Job Growth, Student Success, and Tax Revenue Benefits

SELMA, AL – Wallace Community College Selma (WCCS) continues to be a driving force in the local economy, contributing $66.9 million in added income to its service area, according to a newly released economic impact report by Lightcast. The report underscores WCCS’s role in workforce development, job creation, and community prosperity, supporting 1,167 jobs and generating $20 million in taxpayer benefits.

Dr. James M. Mitchell, President of WCCS, emphasized the institution’s lasting impact: "Wallace Community College Selma has been a cornerstone of economic and workforce development in our region. This report validates what we’ve always known—investing in education at WCCS transforms lives, strengthens industries, and fuels local economies. Our commitment remains focused on student success and regional growth.”

Key Findings from the Economic Impact Report:

Operations Spending Impact

• WCCS employed 286 full-time and part-time faculty and staff, with 71% residing in the service area.
• Employee payroll amounted to $14.2 million, which was spent locally on housing, food, and other household expenses.
• The college’s day-to-day operations and professional services added $13.2 million in regional income.

Student and Alumni Economic Impact

• In FY 2023-24, WCCS served 2,789 credit and 2,613 non-credit students.
• 9% of students relocated to the area to attend WCCS, contributing $1.8 million in additional economic impact.
• Alumni working in the region generated $51.9 million in economic activity, highlighting the long-term benefits of WCCS graduates in the workforce.

Investment Returns for Students and Taxpayers

• WCCS students invested $15.6 million in tuition and forgone wages but will receive an estimated $58.1 million in higher lifetime earnings.
• For every $1 invested in their education, students will receive $3.70 in higher future earnings, with an annual return on investment of 16.2%—outpacing stock market returns.
• Taxpayers provided $19 million in state and local funding, with a return of $1.00 per dollar invested through higher tax revenues and public sector savings.

Social and Workforce Impact

• The presence of WCCS in Alabama generates $215.3 million in total social benefits, including increased business output, higher lifetime earnings, and reduced demand for public assistance programs.
• WCCS graduates earn, on average, $7,300 more per year than those with only a high school diploma.

Strengthening the Future of Alabama’s Workforce

The report highlights that the college’s operations, student spending, and alumni workforce contributions support one out of every 75 jobs in the WCCS service area. Key industries benefiting from WCCS graduates include healthcare, construction, retail, and government services.

About the Economic Impact Report

The study, conducted by Lightcast, is based on fiscal year 2023-24 data and includes financial reports from the Alabama Community College System (ACCS), regional industry statistics, and employment data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and U.S. Census Bureau.

The full report is available at www.accs.edu/impact. Wallace Community College Selma’s report can be found at www.wccs.edu/about/institutional-effectiveness/economic-impact.

About Wallace Community College Selma

Founded in 1963, Wallace Community College Selma (WCCS) is dedicated to providing high-quality education and workforce training. As part of the Alabama Community College System, WCCS plays a crucial role in shaping the state’s economic future by equipping students with the skills needed for in-demand careers. Learn more at www.wccs.edu.

Media Contact:
Johnny Moss, III
Wallace Community College Selma
johnny.moss@wccs.edu
334-876-9233

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Wallace Community College Selma Contributes $66.9 Million to Regional Economy