THE DALLES — Columbia Gorge Community College generated an estimated $65.2 million in added income for the Columbia Gorge region in fiscal year 2023–24, according to a new economic-impact study by Lightcast. That contribution is equivalent to 2% of the region’s gross regional product and supports 830 jobs — about one out of every 43 jobs in the region.
The study finds that CGCC’s greatest economic value comes through its former students, whose skills, earnings and productivity added an estimated $51.3 million to the regional economy and supported 584 jobs in fiscal year 2023–24, the most recent year for which data is available.
“CGCC exists to create opportunities for the people and communities of the Columbia Gorge,” said Kenneth Lawson, CGCC’s president. “This study puts numbers to what we see every day: our students gain skills that lead to stronger careers, local employers gain a trained workforce, and the entire region benefits.”
Workforce value
CGCC’s impact reaches well beyond its campuses in Hood River and The Dalles. The college’s operations supported 229 jobs, while student spending supported another 17 jobs in the region.
Former CGCC students contribute throughout the regional economy, with particularly strong effects in:
Government and education: $12.6 million in added income and 239 jobs
Manufacturing: $9.9 million in added income and 60 jobs
Health care and social assistance: $9.1 million in added income and 114 jobs
Retail trade: $6.2 million in added income and 84 jobs
Construction: $2.8 million in added income and 32 jobs
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting: $2.5 million in added income and 35 jobs
These findings underscore the role of CGCC as a workforce partner for the region’s employers and communities — preparing people for essential local careers while helping businesses and public services retain skilled workers.
Return for students
The study also found that students receive substantial value from their education at CGCC. For every dollar students invest in their education, they receive an estimated $6.40 in benefits over their working lives.
On average, students see a 21.3 percent annual rate of return on their investment, and recover their costs through higher earnings in approximately 6.4 years.
Community investment
The study’s findings show that CGCC’s impact extends well beyond the classroom. It is reflected in the income earned by local residents, the capacity of regional employers, the strength of key industries and the jobs supported across the Columbia Gorge.
“Every student who develops new skills at CGCC has the potential to strengthen a local workplace, support a family and contribute to the vitality of our communities,” Dr. Lawson added. “That is the value of a community college, and it is an investment that stays here.”
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