The College of New Caledonia is a significant contributor to the regional economy, according to a recent report commissioned by B.C. Colleges.
BC Colleges is a consortium of B.C.'s 11 public, post-secondary colleges. The Economic Modeling Specialists International document identified more than $200 million flowing to the regional economy in 2012-13 from CNC students and alumni.
The school's region received about $57.9 million in added income due to CNC's operations and spending of out-of-region students.
According to the report, approximately 1,666 CNC students relocated to the CNC region to attend the school in 2012-13, including about 300 international students.
The study states expenditures of these students for room and board, transportation, and other personal goods and services added approximately $5.9 million in income to the region during the analysis year.
Former students generated another $143.8 million in added income through higher earning and increased employer productivity.
"Aside from the obvious measurable financial impact, I think it's important to note that a more educated, knowledgeable, critical thinking and skilled society is better for everyone," said Randall Heidt, CNC external relations executive director, in a press release.
The report suggests CNC graduates from diploma programs in 2012-13 will earn about $1.3 million during their working lifetime, which is about $442,000 more than those with a high school diploma.
"The report states that by the end of the students' working careers, the provincial government will have collected a present value of $87.2 million in added taxes," Heidt said. "It shows that college graduates are more employable, so the demand for income assistance is reduced."
