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By Shelby Kluver, WQAD
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MOLINE, Ill. — Black Hawk College contributed nearly $291 million in added income to the regional economy during the 2023-24 fiscal year and supported 3,882 jobs across its nine-county service area, according to a new economic impact report.
The study, conducted by Lightcast, evaluates the college’s economic footprint through both regional impact and return-on-investment analyses. It measures benefits to students, taxpayers, employers and the broader Illinois economy.
Black Hawk College President Dr. Jeremy Thomas said the findings reinforce what the institution has long understood about its role in the region. “This report makes clear that Black Hawk College is more than a place of learning,” Thomas said. “For nearly 80 years, we have been a driver of economic growth in our region. When we invest in our students, we are investing in our workforce, our employers, and the long-term strength of our communities.” The college serves Bureau, Henderson, Henry, Knox, Marshall, Mercer, Rock Island, Stark and Whiteside counties, an area of more than 225,000 residents. It enrolled more than 8,000 students during the 2023-24 fiscal year and offers more than 85 degree and certificate programs.
Alumni drive most of the impact
According to the report, the largest share of Black Hawk College’s economic contribution comes from former students now working in the region. Alumni generated $254.5 million in added income and supported 3,183 jobs in FY 2023-24 alone.
Thomas said that workforce impact validates the college’s long-standing emphasis on career preparation and local retention.
“We’ve talked for years about the positive impact we have on our community, but it’s great to have the numbers to say, look, we’re doing even better than we thought,” he said.
Overall, the study estimates that about 1 in 50 jobs in the college’s service area is supported by Black Hawk College alumni. That figure trails the statewide community college average of 1 in 26 jobs but still represents a significant share of regional employment.
The report also found that 98% of Black Hawk College graduates remain in the service area after completing their education, reinforcing the institution’s role in keeping skilled workers local.
Workforce needs shaping programs
Thomas said the college works closely with local employers, chambers of commerce and advisory boards to align programs with workforce needs.
“For all of our programs, especially our career and technical education programs, those have advisory groups that are industry and local partners,” he said. “We want to be right at the table so we’re designing what they need, not just for today but for tomorrow.”
He pointed to programs in advanced manufacturing, computer science, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence as examples of rapidly evolving fields that the college is adapting to serve.
Healthcare remains another major focus, particularly nursing, which continues to face regional workforce shortages.
“It’s always a struggle,” Thomas said. “We’re putting through as many as we possibly can. We have one of the top-rated nursing programs in our area, and our faculty are doing an outstanding job, but we continue to look for ways to partner with hospitals and healthcare facilities.”
Enrollment growth and shifting student interests
Black Hawk College has also seen notable enrollment growth, including a 9% increase from the previous academic year and expectations for double-digit growth ahead.
Thomas said that momentum reflects broader shifts in how students view higher education.
“More and more are choosing straight to workforce-based jobs,” he said. “These programs are just bursting at the seams. Historically, we’ve been more transfer-focused, but now we’re seeing about fifty-fifty between career and technical education and transfer pathways.”
He said the college is also seeing increased geographic diversity, including more students from Iowa, while maintaining its status as one of the most affordable higher education options in the region.
Return on investment
The Lightcast study also highlighted the financial return generated by Black Hawk College. It estimates that every $1 invested in the college yields $3.50 in higher future earnings for students and $3.10 in long-term benefits to Illinois through increased tax revenue and reduced public costs.
On average, associate degree graduates earn about $7,100 more per year than individuals with only a high school diploma in Illinois.
The report also found that Black Hawk College contributed $25.9 million in added income through its operations spending and supported 557 jobs through its day-to-day expenditures, including payroll and local purchasing. The college employed about 595 full- and part-time faculty and staff during the study period.
Policy context and future investment
The findings come as state leaders continue to debate higher education funding and workforce development priorities. State Sen. Mike Halpin, D-Rock Island, has been among those advocating for continued investment in Illinois’ community college system, which he said plays a critical role in affordability and workforce readiness.
“Community colleges provide a more affordable alternative higher education option for students and adult learners,” Halpin said in a separate statement tied to a statewide community college economic report. “These key public institutions help retain people in Illinois and gives folks a chance to learn and earn more.”
Thomas said the economic impact data helps support those conversations.
“When you’re going to business partners or policymakers, you can say, look what we’re doing for our community,” he said. “For every dollar invested, there’s a strong return. We are a driver of the local economy.”
Looking ahead
As Black Hawk College continues expanding programs and enrollment, Thomas said future growth will likely focus on flexibility, workforce alignment and infrastructure improvements across campus.
The college is currently updating its long-term master plan, which includes facility upgrades such as HVAC improvements and other infrastructure projects aimed at supporting expanded programming.
“We built it, and they came,” Thomas said, referring to recent campus investments. “And I think as we continue to look forward, we take these numbers and use them to show what we can continue to do for our community and our business partners.”
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