Economic Impact
Educating the workforce, improving lives and powering the regional economy.
The Economic Impact of the Los Rios Community College District
The Los Rios Community College District, comprised of American River College, Cosumnes River College, Folsom Lake College, and Sacramento City College, creates a significant positive impact on the community by providing a skilled workforce and increasing the economic base of the region.
Economic Impact: The Result
Los Rios creates value from multiple perspectives:
Benefits for Local Business
- Increased consumer spending
- More skilled workers
Benefits for Taxpayers
- Increased tax receipts
- Reduced demand for government-supported social services
Benefits for Student
- Raises lifetime earnings
- Helps achieve individual potential
Benefits for Society
- A more prosperous economy
- Less spent on social welfare programs because of improving student lifestyles
Students
The education and training Los Rios provides for regional residents results in the greatest impact. Los Rios enriches the lives of students by raising their lifetime earnings and helping them achieve their individual potential.
Student Rate of Return
Investment in education vs. other portfolio tools:
- * Forbes’ S&P 500, 1987-2016.
- **FDIC.gov, 7-2017.
Alumni Impact
$1.5 billion added income to the Sacramento region.
Earnings
Average earning by education level at career midpoint in California:
- Less than high school: $24,400
- High school: $31,800
- College certificate: $37,000
- Associate degree: $42,900
Community
Los Rios serves a range of industries in the region, supports local businesses, and benefits society as a whole in California from an expanded economy and improved quality of life.
Return on Investment to Students, Taxpayers, and Society
Top Industries Impacted by Los Rios
- Government: $508.8 million supports 3,431 jobs.
- Hospitality (Accommodation, Tourism, and Food Service): $149.9 million supports 2,866 jobs.
- Healthcare and Social Assistance: $133.9 million supports 1,662 jobs.
District
The basic mission of Los Rios is to foster growth. Every year, a new cohort of former Los Rios students adds to the knowledge and skills in the college's service area, and a proportion of alumni continues to add to the Los Rios service area economy.
Los Rios By the Numbers
Race and Ethnicity
Nearly one-third of Los Rios students identify as white, while another third identify as Hispanic/Latino.
The racial/ethnic breakdown of Los Rios students: 31.6% white, 31.2% Hispanic/Latino, 14.8% Asian, 8.7% African American, 7% multi-race, 2.9% Filipino, .9% Pacific Islander, .5% Native American, and .1% other non-white.
Age
More than half of Los Rios students are between 18 and 24 years old, and almost one-third are between 25 and 39 years old.
The age breakdown of Los Rios students: 31.1% are 18 to 20 years old, 20% are 21 to 24 years old, 13.3% are 25 to 29 years old, 16.6% are 30 to 39 years old, 12.2% are 40 and over, and 6.7% are under 18.
Socioeconomic Status
One-quarter of Los Rios students live below the poverty line and one-fifth are low-income, while over 36% are considered middle-class.
The socioeconomic breakdown of Los Rios student: 25% live below the poverty line, 20.6% are low income, 36.4% are middle class, and 17.9% are unable to determine.
Based on Fall 2023 data.
This economic impact report was based on a state-of-the-art research model developed by Economic Modeling Specialists, Inc. (EMSI), an international consulting and research institute. The study examined data from the 2015-16 fiscal year.