The College of Marin commissioned a study to articulate and quantify its economic and social contributions to Marin County and the State of California. The report is timed to coincide with the College’s upcoming centennial in 2026 and responds to heightened public scrutiny on the return on investment of higher education. The core challenge was to measure the institutions role not only as an educational provider, but also as an anchor institution supporting workforce development, community vitality, and statewide tax revenues.
ESI employed input-output modeling (IMPLAN) to translate the College of Marin’s direct activities into broader economic outputs. The analysis covered three principal channels:
- Annual Operations and Capital Investments – employment, procurement, and construction projects
- Alumni Wage Premium – higher earnings attributable to credentials earned at College of Marin
- Community Engagement and Resources – educational access, cultural assets, and lifelong learning
The methodology calculated direct, indirect, and induced impacts at both the county and state levels. Data inputs were drawn from the College’s records, public data sources, and state-level tax frameworks. Results were annualized to reflect a typical year of activity.
The study also highlights the College’s collaboration with:
- Healthcare providers such as Canal Alliance, Villa Marin, By the Bay Health, and Sequoia Living
- Community organizations and cultural groups that use College of Marin facilities for public programs
- Students, alumni, and diverse learning communities that reflect Marin County’s demographics and equity priorities
Outcomes and Impact
Economic Output: $210 million annually in California; $157 million in Marin County
Employment: Approximately 1,100 jobs statewide and 900 in Marin County
Alumni Wage Premium: $75.8 million in additional earnings statewide, generating $64 million in economic activity and supporting 300 jobs
Tax Revenues: $16.9 million annually for the State of California
These findings demonstrate College of Marin’s measurable return on public investment. They provide a strong evidence base for stakeholder communications, advocacy with state and local policymakers, and positioning during the College’s centennial celebration.