Coastal Alabama Community College generated nearly $360 million in economic impact across southwest Alabama during the 2023-24 fiscal year, supporting more than 5,100 jobs, according to a recent report by market analysis firm Lightcast.

The information was presented in recent news release.

The college's economic influence spans Baldwin, Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Escambia, Mobile, Monroe, Washington and Wilcox counties, where its eleven locations provide educational and workforce training opportunities.

"Coastal Alabama benefits society as a whole in Alabama by creating a more prosperous economy and generating a variety of savings through the improved lifestyles of students," the report stated. "The college enriches the lives of students by raising their lifetime earnings and helping them achieve their individual potential."

Founded in 1965, Coastal Alabama has expanded to offer more than 120 certificate and degree programs, including nursing, engineering, art and aviation technology. It also operates the Alabama Aviation Center at Brookley Field and provides workforce development, adult education and community-based courses to support lifelong learning.

During the 2023-24 academic year, the college enrolled 9,203 credit-seeking students and 4,221 non-credit students. That year, 857 students earned associate degrees, while 447 completed certificate programs. Additionally, 2,023 students participated in workforce or professional development programs, and 2,222 high school students took dual enrollment courses.

The Lightcast report highlighted the long-term financial benefits of an associate degree, estimating that graduates will earn an average of $8,500 more per year than individuals with only a high school diploma. Over a lifetime, that translates to an additional $357,000 in earnings per graduate. The report also found that students see an 18.6% return on their investment in education, significantly outperforming the U.S. stock market's 30-year average return of 10.1%.

"We have a great responsibility to impact students in southwest Alabama and beyond," Coastal Alabama President Aaron Milner said in the release. "Serving more than 20% of the land mass of Alabama, our mission to invest in ALL students has provided a clear vision and passion. We do not take this responsibility lightly."