Mercer County Community College Generates Over $355 Million in Annual Economic Impact, Supporting Nearly 3,800 Jobs

Mercer County Community College (MCCC) continues to be a driving force in the regional economy, generating over $355 million in total economic impact and supporting nearly 3,800 jobs across Mercer County, according to a newly released economic impact study conducted by Lightcast, a provider of global labor market data. All figures reflect annual economic activity based on Fiscal Year 2023-24 data.

The study shows that one out of every 96 jobs in Mercer County is supported by the activities of MCCC and its students, reinforcing the College’s role as a cornerstone of the regional economy.

Serving 8,855 credit students, 3,254 non-credit students and employing 1,053 faculty and staff, MCCC enhances overall productivity in the county workforce, retains students in the county and raises economic prosperity throughout New Jersey.

Key Economic Impact Highlights

• $355.1 Million Total Economic Impact in Mercer County
  • Equal to approximately 0.7% of Mercer County’s total Gross Regional Product
  • Nearly half the size of the entire Utilities industry in the county
• 3,796 Jobs Supported
  • One out of every 96 jobs in Mercer County is tied to MCCC’s presence
• $296.1 Million Alumni Impact
  • The largest driver of economic growth
  • Reflects higher earnings and productivity of thousands of MCCC graduates working in the county
• $54.4 Million from College Operations
  • 1,053 faculty and staff employed
  • $45.3 million in payroll
  • $34.5 million in operational spending
• $4.0 Million from Student Spending
  • Economic activity generated by students who remain in the county because of MCCC
• $0.5 Million from Construction Spending
  • Reflects investment in campus facilities and infrastructure
• Over 3:1 Return on Investment for MCCC Students
  • Students receive $3.10 in higher future earnings for every $1 invested in an MCCC education

“A study like this one is always useful, as it demonstrates with clear data what we know instinctively to be true: that Mercer County Community College contributes significantly to our local economy, and tax dollars supporting MCCC are a wise investment,” said Dr. Deborah E. Preston, MCCC President.

The study was conducted using Fiscal Year 2023-24 academic and financial reports from MCCC, industry and employment data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and U.S. Census Bureau, outputs of Lightcast’s Multi-Regional Social Accounting Matrix model and a variety of studies and surveys relating education to social behavior. Visit the MCCC website to view the full report.

About Mercer County Community College
Established in 1966, Mercer County Community College is a publicly supported comprehensive institution that provides opportunities for higher education through an open-door admission policy. The scenic 292-acre West Windsor Campus was opened in 1972 to serve the needs of Mercer County residents. MCCC’s James Kerney Campus, located in downtown Trenton, serves as an educational and cultural hub for city residents that meets the challenging needs of thousands of students and community members seeking educational fulfillment and personal and career growth. The MCCC President is Deborah E. Preston, PhD. Visit www.mccc.edu for more information.