A model for evaluating the short-term economic impact of a New Mexico community college on its community

his study was conducted in order to develop a model for ascertaining the short-term economic impact of a New Mexico community college upon its local community,and to apply the model to New Mexico State University at Alamogordo. The model incorporated a flow-of-funds design which evaluated economic impact on three distinct levels over a one-year period. Level I measured the amount of funds received by the institution from sources inside and outside the local taxation area. Level II treated gross expenditures within the taxation area attributable to the presence of the community college. Level III, which most closely paralleled work done in previous studies, evaluated the short-term economic effects of the institution on local government, local business, and local individuals and charities.;Findings indicated that the model provided a feasible means of gaining valuable information. The results of the Level I evaluation indicated that the ratio of dollars drawn into the taxation area from outside sources to dollars paid by residents through mill levies to support the college was 6.9:1. The data gathered for Level II demonstrated that the ratio of dollars distributed to area businesses and residents because of the presence of the college to dollars supplied by residents for mill levies related to the institution was 6.6:1. Level III analysis indicated that local governments experienced a net expense in relation to the institution. The ratio of local government expenses related to the college to local government receipts related to the institution was 1.4:1. By contrast, local businesses benefitted substantially from the presence of the institution. The ratio of in-district expenditures for goods and services related to the college to dollars paid by local residents through mill levies in support of the college was 7.1:1. Due to the presence of the institution, 122.4 jobs were generated, and annual disposable incomes of...