December 4, 2025 - Santa Rosa, CA — A new economic impact study has found that Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC) plays a major role in the economic strength and workforce vitality of Sonoma County, creating $1.8 billion in economic impact and supporting 18,990 jobs across the region.
“Santa Rosa Junior College exists because this community believes in the transformative power of education to expand access and opportunity to everyone,” said Dr. Angélica Garcia, Superintendent/ President of SRJC. “This study highlights how that shared commitment fuels economic strength across Sonoma County. SRJC’s impact reaches every corner of the county because students, educators, local partners, and employers are working toward the same goal of a vibrant and thriving future.”
The study, conducted by Lightcast, a nationally recognized labor market analytics firm, analyzed SRJC’s operations, capital spending, student spending, and alumni employment to assess the 107-year-old institution’s direct and indirect contributions to the local economy.
Key Findings
- $1.8 billion in total economic impact, representing 5.3% of Sonoma County’s gross regional product (GRP)
- 18,990 jobs supported across multiple industries
- $1.6 billion in added income generated by SRJC Alumni employed in Sonoma County
- $158.7 million in added income from college operations
- $19.8 million in added income from construction spending
- $46.2 million in added income resulting from student spending
Return on Investment
- Students: Gain $7.20 in higher future earnings for every dollar invested in their SRJC education
- Taxpayers: Gain $1.40 in return for every public dollar invested
- Community: Sees $8.90 in total benefits for every dollar invested statewide, totaling $2.8 billion in economic and social gains
SRJC is also a major regional employer with 1,955 faculty and staff, 89% of whom live in Sonoma County. Tens of thousands of students pursue credit, noncredit, career education, and workforce training programs across SRJC’s five sites every year.
The report isn’t just abstract numbers; it represents the stories of real people whose lives are impacted by SRJC,” said Ezrah Chaaban, SRJC Board President. “The college plays a critical role in opening meaningful educational and workforce pathways for our county’s residents, and the SRJC Board is committed to building on our legacy of student success and community impact. The economic impact shown in this study reflects the dedication of the entire college community."
For more information, including the full report, visit https://news.santarosa.edu/economic-impact-report-2025
About the Economic Impact Study
The report was conducted by Lightcast, a leading provider of economic impact studies and labor market data for educational institutions, workforce planners, and regional developers across the U.S. and internationally. Data and assumptions were based on the FY 2023–24 academic and financial reports from SRJC, along with industry and employment data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and U.S. Census Bureau. The analysis applies a conservative methodology and uses only the most recognized indicators of investment effectiveness and economic impact.
About Santa Rosa Junior College
Founded in 1918, Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC) is a vital gateway to higher education and career advancement in Sonoma County. Serving an average of 22,000 students each semester, SRJC offers a wide range of academic and career education programs, student support services, and clear pathways to four-year universities. With campuses in Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Roseland, and specialized sites including Shone Farm and the Public Safety Training Center, SRJC combines academic excellence with hands-on learning opportunities. Guided by its mission to foster learning and growth for all, SRJC is committed to equity, inclusion, and innovation in support of student success. SRJC offers a vibrant student experience with more than 50 student clubs, championship athletic teams, nationally recognized arts and forensics programs, and on-campus housing.
