Florida’s State Colleges Contribute $56.7 Billion Impact to Florida’s Economy
New research from Helios Education Foundation highlights statewide ROI
Orlando, FL - Florida’s 28 state colleges contribute $56.7 billion in added income each year, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs and fueling the state’s long-term prosperity. The finding comes from a new economic impact report released today at the Association of Florida Colleges' Success Summit.
Commissioned by Helios Education Foundation and the Association of Florida Colleges (AFC), the report captures the far-reaching economic and community impact of the Florida College System.
Titled "An Engine of Opportunity: How the Florida College System Helps Power the State’s Economy," the research shows that for every dollar invested in Florida’s state colleges, students gain $6.30 in higher lifetime earnings and taxpayers gain $2.40 in added revenues and public-sector savings. When factoring in broader social and economic gains, the total return reaches $13.30 for every $1 invested in the Florida College System.
“This report confirms what we’ve long believed: Florida’s state colleges are engines of opportunity across every corner of the state. They open doors for students, strengthen communities and drive economic growth,” said Paul J. Luna, Helios Education Foundation President and CEO. “Helios is proud to partner with AFC to highlight the measurable return these institutions deliver for every Floridian.
“As both president of Seminole State College and chair of the Council of Presidents, I see firsthand the powerful impact our colleges have—locally and statewide,” said Dr. Georgia Lorenz, president of Seminole State College and chair of the Florida College System Council of Presidents.
"At Seminole State, we’re equipping students with the skills that meet regional workforce needs, creating transformative impact. The same is true across all of our state colleges. The Florida College System is driving economic mobility, supporting employers, and building the resilient talent pipeline our state depends on.”
The full brief is now available for download on Helios’ website here. Helios encourages policymakers, business leaders, and educators to review and share the findings. The report is released as Florida continues to experience record population growth and increasing demand for skilled workers across industries such as healthcare, technology, and advanced manufacturing.
About the Association of Florida Colleges:
The Association of Florida Colleges (AFC) is the professional association of Florida’s 28 public member institutions of the Florida College System, their boards, employees, retirees, associates, and the employees of the Division of Florida Colleges. The mission of the Association is to actively promote, represent, and support members and institutions as they provide their students and the citizens of Florida with a world-class college system. Learn more about AFC’s Economic Impact Study prepared by Lightcast at myafchome.org/impact.