INA, Ill. (April 17, 2026) — Rend Lake College is powering the regional economy and delivering an exceptional return on investment for students, taxpayers, and the community.
RLC added $210.3 million in income to the District 521 economy in fiscal year 2023-24 and supported 3,140 jobs, according to a new economic impact study conducted by Lightcast in partnership with the Illinois Community College Board.
The total impact represents 3.2% of the region’s gross regional product, meaning 1 out of every 21 jobs in the district is supported by the college and its students.
“This report highlights the important role Rend Lake College plays in the daily lives of people across southern Illinois," said RLC President Dr. Lori Ragland. "Whether through education and workforce training, or economic support, our mission extends far beyond the classroom. We could not be more proud to serve as a steady partner in our region’s success.”
District 521 includes all or parts of eight counties – Franklin, Hamilton, Jefferson, Perry, Washington, Wayne, White and Williamson – and the 13 public high school districts indicated. The district accounts for 66,158 jobs and $6.5 billion in gross regional product.
Economic Impact Breakdown
The $210.3 million total annual impact includes:
Alumni impact: $194.1 million in added income and 2,662 jobs supported. Former students working in the region generate higher earnings that continue to circulate through the local economy.
Operations spending impact: $9.5 million in added income and 359 jobs supported. This includes college payroll, benefits and operational expenditures.
Student spending impact: $6.2 million in added income and 111 jobs supported. Approximately 20% of RLC students come from outside the region, bringing new dollars into the district.
Construction spending impact: $490,400 in added income and eight jobs supported.
College Snapshot
During FY 2023-24, RLC served 4,673 students and employed 364 faculty and staff members. The college reported $9.6 million in payroll and benefits and $2.4 million in tuition revenue.
Industry Impact
Jobs supported by college-related activity span multiple sectors:
- Health care and social assistance: 597 jobs
- Retail trade: 321 jobs
- Accommodation and food services: 160 jobs
- Government (noneducation): 183 jobs
- Other services (except public administration): 436 jobs
- All other industries: 1,443 jobs
Return on Investment
From a student perspective, the study reports $52 million in total benefits compared with $6.9 million in total costs, resulting in a benefit-cost ratio of 7.5 and an annual rate of return of 19.6%. For every $1 students invest in their education, they receive $7.50 in future earnings benefits.
From a taxpayer perspective, the college generates $20.6 million in total benefits compared with $27.1 million in total public costs, resulting in a benefit-cost ratio of 0.8. The report notes that while benefits do not fully exceed costs, they significantly offset the taxpayer burden through increased tax revenue and reduced public assistance spending.
From a social perspective, the college generates $191.9 million in total benefits compared with $32.2 million in total costs, producing a benefit-cost ratio of 6.0. For every $1 invested by society, $6 in economic benefits are generated.
Regional Impact
Residents from communities across District 521 — including ZIP codes 62805, 62810, 62812, 62814, 62816, 62817, 62819, 62822, 62825, 62238, 62828, 62830, 62835, 62836, 62846, 62851, 62856, 62860, 62859, 62864, 62865, 62866, 62872, 62874, 62274, 62983, 62883, 62884, 62886, 62887, 62888, 62889, 62890, 62891 and 62894 — contribute to and benefit from the college’s economic activity.
With $210.3 million in annual added income and 3,140 jobs supported, Rend Lake College remains one of the most significant economic drivers in southern Illinois.
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