Economic Impact Report
The San Diego Community College District, the largest provider of higher education and workforce training in the county, was responsible for generating $5.3 billion in added income to the regional economy during the 2024-25 fiscal year, according to the latest study by a leading provider of economic and labor market data.
The district’s $5.3 billion total impact is the equivalent of San Diego hosting the Comic-Con convention 33 times.
“A $5.3 billion impact is not just a number, it represents lives transformed, communities uplifted, and a stronger future for all of San Diego,” said SDCCD Chancellor Gregory Smith. “Investing in the San Diego Community College District is one of the smartest decisions our region can make for shared prosperity.”
Read the full economic impact story
Economic Impact Main Report 2025
Economic Impact Report Executive Summary 2025
Economic Impact Report Fact Sheet 2025
Infographic Extended caption
The SDCCD has 59,219 credit students, 19,867 non-credit students and 5,055 employees.
Economic Impact Analysis
- $4.4 billion alumni impact - Impact of increased earnings of SDCCD alumni and the businesses the work for. An economic books similar to hosting the Super Bowl 12 times or 37,412 jobs supported.
- One out of every 48 jobs in San Diego County is supported by the activities of SDCCD and its students.
- $455.7 million operations spending impact - Impact of annual payroll and other spending. Added income is enough to by 9,646 new cars or 5,584 jobs supported.
- $447.6 million student spending income - Impact of the daily spending of SDCCD students attracted to or retained in the county. The added income is enough to buy 30,527 families (family of four) a year's worth of groceries or 6,035 jobs supported.
- SDCCD total annual impact is $5.3 billion in added income or 49,031 jobs supported.
Investment Analysis
Average earnings by education level at career midpoint:
- Less than High School $32,400
- High School Graduate $41,000
- Certificate $44,800
- Associate $51,200
- Bachelor's $78,800
The average associate degree graduate from SDCCD will see and increase in earnings of $10,200 each year compared to someone with a high school diploma working in California.
For ever $1 spent on the district, students gain $4 in lifetime earnings, taxpayers gain $1.80, and society gains $10.80 in added income and social savings.
Source: Lightcast