Economic Impact

Students working at desks

National Park College (NPC) recently concluded an economic impact study with labor market analytics company LightCast. The purpose of the study was to take a snap shot of how well the College is serving the community. The report was limited to Garland County. Results are based upon data from fiscal year 2021-22.

NPC’s total impact from alumni, current students, and employees on the county economy is $111.4 million, which means the College supports 1750 jobs locally beyond the 309 employees who work for NPC. One in every 31 jobs in Garland County is supported by the activities of the College. Alumni contributions total $83.5 million. The College’s operational impact is $23.7 million and student spending equals the remaining $4.2 million.

Student perspective: present value benefits $66.6 million, present value costs $5.1 million, net present value $61.5 million. Benefit-cost ratio 13.0, rate of return 84.7% Taxpayer perspective: present value benefits $23.3 million, present value costs $15.4 million, net present value $7.9 million. Benefit-cost ratio 1.5, rate of return 2.8%. Social perspective: present value benefits $236.1 million, present value costs $37.1 million, net present value $199 million. Benefit-cost ratio 6.4, rate of return n/a.

*The rate of return is not reported for the social perspective because the beneficiaries of the investment are not necessarily the same as the original investors.

The report states that the community receives a $6.40 societal impact for each dollar invested in the College. The local community can expect a return of $236.1 million in added revenue over the course of the students working lives. The community will also benefit from a $7.3 million social savings related to reduced crime, lower welfare and unemployment assistance, and increased health and well-being.

The complete results of the study are linked below.

Executive Summary

Main Report

Fact Sheet

Economic Value Infographic