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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Halpin addressed media and advocates alongside the Illinois Community College System on the results of the Economic Value of the Community Colleges of Illinois.

“Community Colleges provide a more affordable alternative higher education option for students and adult learners,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “These key public institutions help retain people in Illinois and gives folks a chance to learn and earn more. Many people take the opportunity to jumpstart their higher education and their careers through community colleges.”

The Economic Value of the Community Colleges of Illinois Impact Study provides a comprehensive overview of the vast positive impact community colleges have in Illinois. Illinois’ community college system supports over half a million students and over 33,000 employees. One out of every 26 jobs in Illinois is supported by the activities of community colleges.

The average associate degree graduate from the community college system earned $8,400 more than someone with a high school diploma in Illinois. Alumni and the business they work for bring in $25 billion in added income because of these public institutions. Illinois community colleges help retain and attract students who spent their dollars in the state and grew their local economies. 

“Community colleges are an important part of the process in getting Illinois back to work,” said Halpin. “This study shows that sustained, targeted investment in our community college system will pay dividends down the road to everyone in our economy.”

Halpin is committed to supporting higher education institutions in Illinois.