News contact: Kyla Kruse
SPRINGFIELD — Illinois Community College Board data shows that Illinois’ community colleges are a powerful driver of the state’s economy, generating $27.2 billion in total economic impact and supporting 324,273 jobs statewide, according to a recently released economic impact study.
The report, “The Economic Value of the Community Colleges of Illinois,” reflects fiscal year 2023-24 data and underscores the critical role community colleges — including Lincoln Land Community College — play in workforce development, business growth and economic mobility across the state.
“Through education and training in health care, the skilled trades, transfer degrees and continued professional development, Lincoln Land Community College serves as a key local economic driver and workforce partner for the region,” said Dr. Charlotte Warren, LLCC president. “Our partnerships with regional employers ensure students are gaining the skills they need to succeed, while our communities benefit from a strong, prepared workforce.”
The study 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.”
LLCC currently serves approximately 15,000 individuals annually through credit and non-credit courses and has seen multi-year enrollment growth, including a 25.5% increase from fall 2021 to fall 2025. The economic impact study identified that around 16% of students attending LLCC originated from outside the region. The college is helping meet local labor needs in health care, manufacturing, construction, agriculture, information technology and other high-demand fields. According to the study, LLCC added $452.4 million in income to the economy within its district, supporting one out of every 43 jobs through the college’s operations and the activities of its students. The value of an LLCC education also delivers a strong return for students, with an average annual internal rate of return of 19.6% on their investment.
Today, thousands of former LLCC students are employed in District 526. As a result of their education from LLCC, the students receive higher earnings and increase the productivity of the businesses that employ them. The study shows that LLCC alumni generated $407.3 million in added income for the regional economy, which is equivalent to supporting 4,404 jobs.
Key statewide community college impact 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
In addition to economic impact, the study reinforces the role community colleges play in advancing workforce readiness, increasing earning potential and improving quality of life. The average associate degree graduate earns $8,400 more annually than a high school graduate. Illinois community colleges — including LLCC — serve as critical partners to business and industry, providing a steady pipeline of skilled workers while supporting regional economies through job creation and increased productivity.
LLCC is a comprehensive community college serving all or parts of 15 counties in central Illinois with accessible, affordable and high-quality education. Established in 1967, the college offers transfer degrees, health care career education, workforce training, professional development for skill building and career advancement, adult education and literacy, and community education. Additional learning and service locations include outreach centers in Beardstown, Jacksonville, Litchfield and Taylorville. To learn more about LLCC, visit www.llcc.edu.