Ivy Tech Kokomo makes $122 million economic impact on the region

Monday, April 6, 2026 at 1:28 PM

By Staff report

Ivy Tech Community College Kokomo’s impact on the region it serves adds more than $122.4 million in income through its students, alumni, and operations.

That’s equal to more than 1,790 jobs supported.

The overall impact of Ivy Tech was cited in a new report on the economic value of the College, as measured during Fiscal Year 2024-2025 by Lightcast, an international leader in labor market data analysis. The report found that the statewide impact of Ivy Tech adds more than $4.8 billion in income through its students, alumni, and operations of campuses throughout the state. That’s equal to more than 63,000 jobs supported – or one out of every 67 jobs in the state.

“Economic growth begins in the classroom, increasing each student’s opportunities through increased skills and knowledge of their world,” said Dr. Ethan Heicher, chancellor of Ivy Tech’s Kokomo Service Area. “When you add up all of those individual opportunities, you see the real generational impact of Ivy Tech and our community strengthening role throughout the State of Indiana.”

The Kokomo Service Area includes Cass, Fulton, Howard, Miami, Pulaski and Tipton counties.

The report found that for every $1 invested in Ivy Tech, taxpayers get a return of $1.70, and further impacts are felt by the lifestyle improvements that come with added skills and education. Students can get a return of $4.90 for every dollar spent by being able to earn more in their lifetime, and society can get a return of $9 on each dollar with added income and social savings.

“We know that more education and skills lead to better and higher-paying jobs, and that is a key mission for Ivy Tech as Indiana’s workforce engine,” Ivy Tech President Marty Pollio said.