Brookdale College: A $686M Economic Engine for Monmouth County

LINCROFT, N.J. – February 27, 2026 – By Tyler Flores

A landmark economic report released this week quantifies what many local leaders have long asserted: Brookdale Community College is a financial juggernaut for its home county. The study finds the college's activities pumped $686 million in added income into the Monmouth County economy and supported 6,942 jobs during the 2023-24 fiscal year. This impact means that roughly one out of every 65 jobs in the county is sustained by the college, its students, and its alumni.

The report, conducted by the nationally recognized data firm Lightcast, analyzes the economic value of the institution from multiple angles, painting a picture of an investment that yields substantial returns for students, taxpayers, and the community at large.

"This report confirms what our community sees every day: when we invest in Brookdale students, Monmouth County benefits," said David M. Stout, Ph.D., President of Brookdale. "Our graduates are fueling local businesses, filling critical workforce needs, and strengthening the region's economic future."

Monmouth County officials echoed this sentiment, framing the college as a cornerstone of regional prosperity. "These findings reaffirm what we've known all along, which is that Brookdale Community College is one of the most powerful economic engines in Monmouth County and New Jersey," said Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone. He emphasized that the college does more than educate, stating it "fuels our workforce, supports local businesses, and helps make Monmouth County the best place to live, work, and raise a family."

A Multi-faceted Financial Impact

The $686 million figure is a composite of three main areas of impact. The largest portion, a staggering $591.7 million, comes from the accumulated skills and increased productivity of Brookdale alumni now active in the county's workforce. This alumni impact alone supports an estimated 5,676 jobs.

The college's own operational spending creates significant economic ripples. During the analysis year, Brookdale spent $61.7 million on payroll and benefits for its 993 employees and injected another $44.5 million into the economy through the purchase of goods and services. Finally, the spending of students who relocated to or remained in the county to attend the college added another $13.3 million in income to the local economy.

The Lightcast analysis also highlights a remarkable return on investment (ROI) for both students and taxpayers. For every dollar a student invests in their Brookdale education, they are projected to receive $4.80 in increased lifetime earnings—an impressive 15.0% annual rate of return. This figure is slightly above the New Jersey community college average of 14.9%.

Taxpayers see a strong return as well. The report estimates that for every dollar of public money invested in the college, taxpayers receive $2.80 in benefits through added tax revenue and public-sector savings, such as reduced costs for healthcare and the justice system. This equates to a 7.1% annual return on investment, a figure that compares favorably to the statewide average return of $2.60 for every dollar invested in New Jersey's community colleges.

Fueling the Workforce, Meeting Local Needs

Beyond the headline numbers, the report underscores Brookdale's role as a vital pipeline for skilled talent in a county with a robust and diverse economy. Monmouth County's key industries—including healthcare, technology, and hospitality—are in constant need of a well-trained workforce, a need Brookdale is strategically positioned to meet.

The college's deep integration with the local business community is evident in its partnerships and programs. The on-campus Monmouth/Ocean Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides critical consulting and training to entrepreneurs, while partnerships with major employers like Monmouth Medical Center directly address critical labor shortages, such as the need for more nurses.

"Community colleges like Brookdale are essential drivers of economic mobility and regional prosperity," noted Aaron R. Fichtner, Ph.D., President of the New Jersey Council of County Colleges. "By providing accessible pathways to education and workforce training, Brookdale is helping residents build stronger futures while supplying the skilled talent that local employers and industries depend on."

This sentiment is often shared by former students, who praise the institution for providing an affordable, high-quality education that prepared them for transfer to four-year universities or immediate entry into the workforce, often with little to no debt.

A Powerful Case in an Era of Funding Debates

The timing of the economic impact report is particularly significant. It arrives amid ongoing, high-stakes debates in Trenton over community college funding. In recent years, the governor's proposed budgets have included substantial cuts to operating aid for New Jersey's 18 community colleges, only to have the funds restored by the legislature after intense advocacy from college leaders and community stakeholders.

Despite these legislative victories, the state's community colleges face significant financial pressures. New Jersey currently ranks a low 46th in the nation for state funding per full-time student, creating a challenging environment for institutions trying to keep tuition affordable while coping with rising costs. For its own part, Brookdale has worked to shore up its financial controls, making what a state comptroller review called "substantial progress" in correcting past deficiencies found in a 2022 audit.

This new report provides college advocates with powerful, data-driven ammunition. By clearly articulating the immense economic value and return on investment, the findings present a compelling case against future budget cuts and in favor of increased, stable investment. As a new gubernatorial administration settles in, leaders at Brookdale and across the state's community college system hope this data will reframe the conversation, shifting the perspective from viewing colleges as a line-item expense to seeing them as a strategic investment in New Jersey's economic future.