For Immediate Release - February 5, 2007

For further information contact:

Edward J. Reed
Executive Director of Marketing and Communication
260-480-4250
ereed@ivytech.edu

Ivy Tech Community College Chancellor Mark A. Keen, Ph.D. announced the findings of a study that measures the socioeconomic impact of Ivy Tech on Northeast Indiana . The study was conducted by CCbenefits, Inc. of Moscow, Idaho at the request of Ivy Tech.

The main thrust of the study was to provide estimates on the economic value of Ivy Tech in terms of job and income formation, higher earnings captured by the students, the return to taxpayers for their college support, and a broad collection of social benefits and avoided costs (i.e., reduced crime, improved health habits, and lower expenditures for welfare and unemployment.)

The findings of the study illustrate the positive impact that Ivy Tech has in Northeast Indiana . The results show that Ivy Tech contributes far more to the local economy than it takes out. Some specific findings include:

• The regional economy is $431.6 million stronger due to the actions of Ivy Tech.
• Ivy Tech returns $8.50 for every dollar of taxpayer financial support.
• Students see their annual income increase by $137 per year for every credit completed at Ivy Tech.

According to Keen, “This is the most comprehensive look we have ever taken at the economic impact of Ivy Tech on the community. We have always known that our graduates greatly improved their lifetime income potential by earning a degree and that we are building jobs by training workers. This report, however, quantifies those benefits and more. The findings are eye-opening and important for all of us who care about making Northeast Indiana a better place to live and work.”