WCCD Makes $193 Million Economic Impact, Supports 3,220 Jobs in the Wiregrass Annually

The total economic impact of Wallace Community College-Dothan (WCCD) on its Wiregrass service area is $193 million in added income annually, according to an economic impact report released Wednesday, February 12, 2025. The independent report by Lightcast estimates that WCCD supports 3,220 jobs annually. Approximately one out of every 48 jobs in the WCCD service area is supported by the activities of WCCD and its students.

Statewide, students and alumni of colleges within the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) add $8.1 billion to Alabama’s economy, representing about 3% of Alabama’s gross state product. The report estimates the ACCS directly impacts 114,043 jobs, or one out of every 26 jobs, statewide.

“This report highlights the profound impact Wallace has on the Wiregrass region,” said Keith Phillips, WCCD Interim President. “The College serves as a driving force for economic development, workforce readiness, and academic achievement in our community. The success of our students and alumni is a testament to the transformative power of education, which directly strengthens and builds a more resilient local economy. We are proud of the role that Wallace plays in shaping the future of the Wiregrass region.”

Lightcast found that WCCD alumni add $152.8 million in added income to the area, an economic boost similar to hosting the World Series twenty-four times. The annual impact of WCCD’s operation spending is $36.2 million, and the student spending impact on the area adds $3.3 million to the area annually.

In terms of investment, for every $1 spent at WCCD, students gain $6.60 in lifetime earnings. The average associate degree Wallace graduate will see an increase of $8,200 in earnings each year compared to someone with a high school diploma working in Alabama. Taxpayers see a return of $1.40 in added tax revenue and public sector savings for every dollar spent at WCCD, and the Wiregrass overall gains $7.20 in added income and social savings.

“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.”

Among the report’s additional highlights for the entire state:

• ACCS students and alumni contributed $8.1 billion to Alabama’s economy, about 3% of the state’s total gross product.
• ACCS supports 114,043 jobs, equivalent to 1 in every 26 jobs in Alabama.
• 3% of ACCS students in 2023-24 were from out of state, with some relocating specifically for education.
• ACCS alumni generated $6.9 billion in added income in FY 2023-24, supporting 96,200 jobs.
• Return on investment for students: Every $1 invested in ACCS education yields $5.60 in lifetime earnings.
• State taxpayers gain: Every $1 invested in ACCS generates $1.20 in tax revenue and public savings.
• Society benefits: Every $1 invested in ACCS leads to $6.50 in added incomes and social savings.
• Relocated and retained students in FY 2023-24 added $170.3 million to Alabama’s economy.
• The average ACCS associate degree graduate earns $9,200 more annually than someone with a high school diploma or equivalent.
• The Alabama Technology Network (ATN) helped retain or create 3,000+ jobs in FY 2023-24, contributing $383.8 million in added income.

Lightcast analyzed data from Fiscal Year 2023-24. The report used data that included academic and financial reports from ACCS colleges, as well industry and employment data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Census Bureau.

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

Read an Executive Summary of Wallace’s report here.