Published on April 16, 2026

Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) 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 newly 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 Lake Land College – play in workforce development, business growth and economic mobility across the state.

“This study validates the work that community colleges do every day to create opportunity throughout our regions and reinforces our position as drivers of growth and innovation throughout Illinois,” Lake Land College President Josh Bullock said. “We at Lake Land College are committed to delivering unparalleled value through partnerships that fit the demands of local businesses, programs that fit the needs of our community and education that fits the lives of our students.”

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.”

Lake Land College is proud to be among the many Illinois community colleges serving as critical industry partners and supporting regional economies. The number one choice among in-district high school graduates, Lake Land offers a wide variety of flexible programs, ranging from short-term certificates to two-year transfer degrees. Lake Land’s affordable tuition also provides graduates with a strong return on their academic investment and helps them maximize their economic impact as they jumpstart rewarding, sustainable careers in vital industries.

In addition to being named seven times as one of the nation’s top 150 community colleges by the Aspen Institute, Lake Land has been ranked as both the third-best nursing school and the fourth-best vocational school in Illinois. Meanwhile, Lake Land’s renowned agriculture program continues to be one of the top destinations in the country, and the College’s John Deere Tech degree is one of just 19 such programs nationwide. Additionally, Lake Land’s Center for Business & Industry plays a leading role in building the local workforce, offering customizable employee training in the region’s only manufacturing skills lab as well as a robust apprenticeship program, which leverages business partnerships to offer high-quality career pathways in fields such as manufacturing, transportation, childcare, construction and healthcare.

For more information about programs available at Lake Land College, visit the Lake Land College website at LakeLandCollege.edu.

More information about the ICCB and the economic value of Illinois community colleges is available on the ICCB website at ICC.org.