Lake Superior College News Releases

New Study Estimates that Duluth’s Community/Technical College Generates More than $98 Million to Local Economy

(Duluth, Minn.) — According to a newly released study, Lake Superior College (LSC) adds an estimated $98,333,357 per year in activity to the local economy and generates 1,294 jobs in the region.

“This research confirms what we’ve known for a long time,” said LSC President Kathleen Nelson. “Higher education is an engine for economic development and Lake Superior College adds greatly to our area’s economic well-being.”

Wilder Research of St. Paul, Minnesota conducted the study, using financial data from the 2005-6 fiscal year, and the results of a student survey conducted in May of 2007. The study included estimates of direct spending by LSC and local spending by LSC students to generate its estimate of economic impact.

The study also reported on the number of LSC students in the region’s workforce. Based on survey results, the researchers report that 78.4 percent of full-time students and 93.9 percent of part-time students hold jobs in the community, with full-time students working an average of 28 hours per week and part-time students working an average of 37 hours per week.

“Perhaps LSC’s greatest impact of all is not captured by the study,” Nelson explained. “As they graduate, our students bring knowledge, enhanced skills, and dedication to the workplace. The result is improved on-the-job productivity and profitability for local employers. More than 70 percent of the LSC students in the survey reported that they planned to remain in the immediate Duluth/Superior area after graduation.”

The report is available online at www.lsc.edu/publicinfo/publications/. For more information, contact Gary Kruchowski, director of public information and government affairs, g.kruchowski@lsc.edu, (218) 733-7600.

LSC is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. With more than 4,100 students enrolled this fall semester, LSC is Northeastern Minnesota’s largest two-year college. LSC provides a wide range of programs and services, including liberal arts and science courses for transfer, technical programs intended to provide occupational skills, continuing education, and customized training for business and industry. LSC is also the leader in Internet-delivered courses and programs in Minnesota.