Alabama Community College System Releases Shelton State Community College Economic Impact Information for 2023-2024

February 12, 2025 – A recent study on the economic impact of the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) revealed that the ACCS contributed $8.1 billion to the state’s economy, an amount equal to about 3% of Alabama’s total gross state product in fiscal year 2023-2024. The report created by Lightcast, a global leader in labor market analytics, also found that Shelton State Community College (SSCC) added $309.7 million in income to the College’s service areas of Tuscaloosa and Bibb Counties in West Alabama, a value approximately equal to 2.1% of the area’s total gross regional product.

In addition to Shelton State’s $309.7 million contribution, the College boasted over 14,000 credit and non-credit students. Students added $9.1 million through daily spending in the service areas. The College also employed 577 full-time and part-time faculty and staff. The increased impact of earnings by alumni and the businesses they work for amounted to $256.9 million. That equates to an economic boost similar to hosting the World Series 40 times.

“The economic and educational impact Shelton State has in West Alabama is undeniable,” said Dr. Jonathan Koh, SSCC President. “The region is better and stronger because our students learn, live, and eventually work right in here in Tuscaloosa and Bibb Counties, in high-earning careers with some of our top industry partners in automotive, healthcare, and welding. We are proud to be Tuscaloosa’s community college and honored to be among the other colleges in the Alabama Community College System.”

The report also states Alabama’s community colleges support 114,043 jobs in Alabama, which is equivalent to one in every 26 jobs. Some students, who might have otherwise left Alabama for higher education, stay because of the opportunities available at the state’s community colleges. In the 2023-24 school year, 3% of ACCS students were from out of state, with some relocating to Alabama specifically to attend a community college.

While the ACCS plays a role in attracting and retaining talent, its greatest impact comes from its graduates. In FY 2023-24 alone, ACCS alumni generated $6.9 billion in added income, supporting the equivalent of 96,200 jobs in Alabama.

“The ACCS enriches the lives of students by raising their lifetime earnings and helping them achieve their individual potential,” the report states. “The colleges benefit state and local taxpayers through increased tax receipts and a reduced demand for government-supported social services.”

Over the years, the ACCS has become the largest training entity in the state. Its graduates and students have gained valuable skills and knowledge, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to Alabama’s workforce.

Individually, students can expect a more than reasonable return on investment on their two-year education. For every dollar a student invests in their education with the ACCS, they can expect to gain $5.60 in lifetime earnings. Alabama’s two-year college system generates more tax dollars than it takes. State taxpayers will see $1.20 in added tax revenue and public sector savings for every dollar invested into the system. Society will also benefit $6.50 in added incomes and social savings for every dollar.

“Our students and graduates are working, earning, and reinvesting in Alabama’s communities,” said ACCS Chancellor Jimmy H. Baker. “Businesses across the state rely on them to keep operations strong. No other entity has a greater reach in education and workforce training, and we are committed to ensuring every student leaves our colleges prepared to contribute to their communities, their industries, and Alabama’s economic growth.”

Additional Report Highlights

• The expenditures of relocated and retained students in FY 2023-24 added $170.3 million in income to the Alabama economy.
• The average ACCS associate degree graduate from FY 2023-24 will see annual earnings $9,200 higher than a person with a high school diploma or equivalent working in Alabama.
• The Alabama Technology Network (ATN) – a division of the ACCS – helped businesses retain or create more than 3,000 jobs in FY 2023-24. These jobs, along with additional business investments supported by the ATN, contributed $383.8 million in added income to Alabama’s economy.

Lightcast analyzed data using FY 2023-24 academic and financial reports from Alabama’s community and technical colleges, the Alabama Technology Network, as well as industry and employment data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the U.S. Census Bureau.

The full report can be found at www.accs.edu/impact.

Shelton State’s report can be found at www.sheltonstate.edu/about-us/economic-impact/.

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About ACCS 

Alabama’s community and technical colleges, merged in 1963, focus on accessible education in arts, sciences, and trades to meet workforce needs. The Alabama Community College System (ACCS) includes 24 colleges across 130+ locations, providing affordable, high-quality education and training. It supports over 170,000+ Alabamians through certification, credential, and degree programs. The ACCS also features the Alabama Technology Network, offering specialized training for businesses, and the ACCS Innovation Center, which provides rapid skills training through its Skills for Success program. The ACCS is governed by the Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees.

About Shelton State Community College

Shelton State Community College, an accredited, two-year institution in the Alabama Community College System, offers over 30 associate degrees in technical and health services programs. Shelton State, located in Tuscaloosa, is one of six Historically Black Community Colleges in Alabama and one of only 12 in the nation. For nearly 70 years, the College has educated students in West Alabama and is an institution where academic skills transfer to workplace skills through progressive partnerships with local industry. SSCC is a member of the Alabama Community College Conference (ACCC) and competes in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) at the Division I level. The institution holds over 30 NJCAA Region XXII Division I titles in men’s and women’s basketball and baseball, 14 National Championships in competitive cheerleading, a national championship in Esports, and seven recognitions as an Academic Team of the Year for softball. For more information about Shelton State, visit www.sheltonstate.edu.