Northern Lakes College Creates Social Value and Economic Impact

Slave Lake, Alberta (October 3, 2024): Northern Lakes College provides quality post-secondary opportunities to students throughout the province with our Supported Distance Learning model, becoming a significant contributor to building strong communities. In 2021-2022, College students, operations, and alumni had a total economic impact of $212.5 million in added income to our service region. The impact of increased earnings of NLC alumni and the businesses they work for alone account for $185.7 million in added income, an economic boost similar to hosting 62 NHL playoff games!

The College plays a key role in helping students increase their employability and achieve their potential. We draw students to the region, generating new dollars and opportunities for our service region. We provide students with the education, training, and skills they need to have fulfilling and prosperous careers. Furthermore, we are a place for students to meet new people, increase their self-confidence, and promote their overall health and well-being.

In return for their investment, NLC students receive a stream of higher future earnings that will continue to grow throughout their working lives. For example, the average NLC diploma graduate from fiscal year 2021-2022 will see an increase in earnings of $12,600 each year compared to a person with a high school diploma or equivalent working in Alberta. Over a working lifetime, the benefits of the diploma over a high school diploma will amount to an undiscounted value of $428,400 in higher earnings per graduate.

NLC influences both the lives of its students and the regional economy. We support a variety of industries in the service region, serve regional businesses, and benefit the provincial government through increased tax revenues and public sector savings. The benefits created by our institution extend to society as a whole in Alberta, which benefits from an expanded economy and improved quality of life. One out of every 31 jobs in the College’s service region is supported by the activities of NLC and its students.

It is clear that Northern Lakes College has both a strong economic impact and investment value. The College influences both the lives of our students and the regional economy. We are proud to contribute to building strong communities in our service region and supplying qualified, trained workers for the workforce.   

Dr. Glenn Mitchell, President & CEO

Northern Lakes College has a significant economic impact in communities within our service region and beyond. The College is a strong investment for students, taxpayers, and society.

To view the Northern Lakes College Economic Value Study, visit northernlakescollege.ca/about-us/economic-value-impact

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About Northern Lakes College

Northern Lakes College (NLC) provides flexible educational opportunities through innovative delivery. With accessibility as a cornerstone value, we provide quality educational programs and services. NLC’s innovative Supported Distance Learning (SDL) and Supported Distance Teaching (SDT) models include unique online delivery options such as NLC LIVE Online™ and NLC Anytime, Anywhere. SDL provides learners with the flexibility to balance work, home, and education, so that they can continue their education, improve their employment opportunities, and enhance their quality of life. Committed to its communities in northern Alberta and to its students, wherever they may be, NLC collaborates with business, industry, and other post-secondary institutions to benefit students and communities. Explore at www.northernlakescollege.ca.

For additional information contact:
Rachel Ouellette
Director, External Relations, Marketing & Communication
Office of the President
Northern Lakes College
news@northernlakescollege.ca