A 2026 economic impact analysis shows that Middlesex College powers economic growth for students and taxpayers, generating nearly $600 million annually in added income and supporting thousands of jobs in the region.
The study, completed by labor analytics company Lightcast, details the College’s value through economic development, community partnerships, and improving the quality of life for residents of Middlesex County.
The $594.4 million in annual impact from Middlesex College includes:
- $508.2 million in alumni impact—resulting from the increased earnings of Middlesex College alumni and businesses they work for, resulting in 4,362 jobs
- $71.8 million in operations spending impact—employing 1,349 full-time and part-time faculty and staff in FY 2023-2024. Operations impact includes Middlesex College spending as well as college employees as consumers within Middlesex County.
- $12.4 million in student spending impact—retained student spending on groceries, accommodations, transportation, and other household expenses that supported 171 jobs within Middlesex County.
- $2 million in construction spending impact—investments in capital projects each year to maintain facilities, create additional capacities, and meet growing demands. This number does not include the recent development of the Middlesex County Community, Innovation, and Opportunity Strategic Investment (CIO) Plan projects on campus, which will continue to grow as they develop.
“We at Middlesex College know the tremendous impact that the College has on our community,” said Middlesex College President Mark McCormick. “We offer a pathway to a better life for tens of thousands of Middlesex County residents and serve as an economic engine in collaboration with businesses of all sizes to provide a pipeline of well-trained employees.”
The study also found that the average associate degree graduate from Middlesex College will see an increase in earnings of $10,400 each year compared to those in New Jersey with a high school diploma. This means the average Middlesex College student’s annual return on investment is 14.5%—exceeding the U.S. stock market’s 30-year average rate of 10.9%.
And for the 65% of Middlesex College transfer-seeking students, this number will continue to increase as they complete a bachelor’s degree while saving tens of thousands of dollars in tuition costs by attending community college.
For Middlesex County residents, taxpayer costs for the college are $48.6 million while benefits amount to $152.8 million, resulting in a return rate of 7.8%, the study said.
“The college benefits state and local taxpayers through increased tax receipts and a reduced demand for government supported social services,” Lightcast stated in its report. “Middlesex College benefits society as a whole in New Jersey by creating a more prosperous economy and generating a variety of savings through the improved lifestyles of students.”
To read the entire economic impact study, go here.
Middlesex College, established in 1964, is a public, two-year institution of higher education serving more than 10,000 enrolled students. With a main campus in Edison and centers in New Brunswick and Perth Amboy, Middlesex College offers over 90 degree and certificate programs.
