A new economic study reveals that Central Piedmont Community College acts as a $1 billion engine for Mecklenburg County, delivering significant returns for students, taxpayers, and local businesses. Data from the 2023-24 fiscal year highlights how the institution fuels regional growth through workforce development and graduate productivity.
The college’s massive economic footprint stems from three primary sources. Alumni contribute $770.6 million in added income through increased productivity, while the institution’s own operations, including payroll and local procurement, inject $164 million into the economy. Student spending on housing, transportation, and daily essentials adds another $101.2 million to the regional total.
Financial returns for students are particularly sharp. Graduates earn an average of $11,200 more annually than those with only a high school diploma, amounting to $448,000 in additional lifetime earnings. This translates to a 17.7% annual return on their investment in time and money, notably outpacing the 10.9% 30-year return of the stock market. Taxpayers also see a direct benefit, receiving $1.20 in value for every $1 invested in the college.
Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, president of Central Piedmont, emphasizes that these figures quantify the institution's daily influence on the workforce. By aligning curriculum with industry demands in healthcare, manufacturing, and professional services, the college maintains a pipeline of skilled talent. Partnerships with major local employers, such as Atrium Health and Coca-Cola Consolidated, ensure that graduates possess the specific technical skills required to keep Mecklenburg County competitive. The study, which utilized modeling from Lightcast, confirms that the college serves as both a catalyst for individual upward mobility and a pillar of the broader regional economy.
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