Shasta College recently released its “Economic and Community Impact Report,” a comprehensive study spearheaded and coordinated by the College’s Division of Economic and Workforce Development. The Division led the effort to quantify the College’s broader economic and community impact across Shasta, Tehama, and Trinity counties, partnering with ICS Consulting, a Sacramento-based agency, to conduct the analysis. The results demonstrate that Shasta College is not only an educational institution, but a major economic engine for the North State, generating substantial economic activity, supporting local jobs, strengthening the regional workforce, and helping drive long-term economic vitality throughout the communities it serves.
In Fiscal Year 2025-26, Shasta College generated an estimated $249 million in total annual economic output, supported 1,734 local jobs, and contributed $160 million in added value to the regional economy across Shasta, Tehama, and Trinity counties. The report, developed with ICS Consulting using IMPLAN economic modeling and peer-reviewed by the Rural County Representatives of California, also highlights the College’s role as an employer and purchaser, with $60 million in annual payroll and over $56 million in supplies and services spending, more than a third of which stays with local vendors.
“I was stunned when I saw the final numbers,” said Dr. Kevin O’Rorke, Associate Superintendent & CEO of North State Together. “We have always known that Shasta College plays an important role in the regional economy, but seeing the actual figures really puts the magnitude of that impact into perspective. It underscores that an investment in Shasta College is truly an investment in the entire North State. The dollars invested here don’t stop at the College—they move throughout the region, supporting employees, local businesses, families, and other employers, creating a ripple effect that multiplies the original investment throughout our communities.”
“For our employer and community partners, the report also validates the importance of the partnerships we have built throughout the region,” O’Rorke continued. “Those relationships help us keep our curriculum responsive to employer needs and prepare graduates to enter the workforce ready to contribute. As a rural, local college, we share a responsibility for building the skilled workforce our region depends on. The report found that graduates with an associate’s degree can expect to earn an estimated $18,944 more per year than positions requiring only a high school degree. That benefits the graduate and their family, but it also strengthens employers, communities, and the regional economy.”
In addition to the economic benefits the college brings to the community, the report also pointed out the college contributions to community life by welcoming over 1M visitors to college locations through classes, athletic events, the arts, and other cultural and civic leadership efforts. Last year Shasta College welcomed over 2,200 students from outside the tri-county area who contributed $66.3M in spending locally. Following through on a culture of inclusivity, Shasta College served 3,535 students who were the first in their family to attend college. For those students who have significant financial barriers to college, about 6,000 students pay no fees to attend classes, while 39% receive aid or fee waivers to reduce barriers to economic mobility and security through affordable access. Shasta awards an average of 1,600 degrees annually and has seen 24.4% enrollment growth over the last four years.
In 2016, North State voters passed Measure H, a $139M facilities bond that helped transform the college by addressing aging infrastructure, creating modern learning spaces, and positioning the college to attract millions more in funding. Acting as good financial stewards, the college leveraged an additional $30.2M from other sources, including $20.7M in State funding, to complete 21 projects. One year of economic activity generated by Measure H totaled $15.8M in construction spending, $11.6M in total economic output, and $4.1M in labor income. Even with the great work of Measure H, the college continues to identify future capital improvements due to advancements in technology, aging buildings, and program needs which demand attention to provide students with the learning environments that will enable them to excel in the jobs of tomorrow.
“This report highlights the incredible work of our faculty and staff in helping our students make a better life for themselves and their families, and the long-standing trust and belief in the college mission from our community,” said Dr. Frank Nigro, Superintendent/President of Shasta College. “We’re grateful for the many partners named throughout the report and look forward to continuing this work together,” Dr. Nigro said.
