By investing in their education at YC, the study showed that students see a return of $6.10 in higher future earnings for every dollar students invest. 
I am excited for the year to come at YC. We are continuing our mission of providing accessible, affordable education to the residents of Yavapai County. Our array of academic programs, extracurricular activities and cultural enrichment opportunities are of the highest quality.
I continue to be amazed by Yavapai College’s impact on our communities. In 2020, a study was conducted to show how Yavapai College benefits its communities through an economic and investment analysis.
Using data from 2017-18, the study showed that YC added $160.1 million in income to the Yavapai County economy, a value of approximately 2.3% of the county’s total gross regional product (GRP). Expressed in terms of jobs, YC’s impact supported 2,969 jobs. For perspective, the activities of YC and its students support one out of every 35 jobs in Yavapai County.
Over the years, students have studied at YC and entered or re-entered the workforce with newly acquired knowledge and skills. Thousands of these former students are employed in Yavapai County. The net impact of YC’s former students employed in the county workforce amounted to $118.2 million in added income in FY 2017-18.
By investing in their education at YC, the study showed that students see a return of $6.10 in higher future earnings for every dollar students invest. Students’ average annual rate of return is 22.3%.
As a result of YC, taxpayers will benefit from added tax revenue stemming from students’ higher lifetime earnings and increased business output, amounting to $42.6 million. A reduced demand for government-funded services in Arizona will add another $3.8 million in benefits to taxpayers. Total benefits to Arizona taxpayers amount to $46.4 million.
Now in a post-pandemic world, almost everything in education has changed somehow.
YC endeavors to be a leader in this new educational landscape, not a follower. We are adapting and evolving to ensure that the data above increases yearly to ensure YC propels our communities forward.
A new economic impact study is currently in production and I am excited to see those results later this spring.
So, as we dive into 2023, I urge all of our community members to connect with us – your community college. Whether you are a traditional or non-traditional student, a parent, a lifelong learner, are looking to reskill or upskill, or have a strong passion for a particular subject, Yavapai College has something for you to enrich your mind and lifestyle.
Thank you for your continued support and Happy New Year! QCBN
By Lisa B. Rhine
In February 2019, Dr. Lisa B. Rhine became the 10th president of Yavapai College, bringing to the institution more than 30 years of leadership experience across a number of leading colleges and universities in Ohio, Kentucky and Virginia. Dr. Rhine assumed this role with a commitment to advance the mission of the college while ensuring access and support to those for whom opportunities may have been historically limited or denied.
Yavapai College offers more than 100 degrees and certificates, student and community services, and cultural events and activities at six locations throughout Yavapai County, including campuses in Prescott and Clarkdale, and centers in Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, Sedona and the Prescott Airport.
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