BUTLER TWP — Butler County Community College brings $317.3 million annually into the tri-county region, a study found.

Butler, Lawrence and Mercer counties benefit from the college because it stimulates the economy, returns taxpayer dollars to the communities and increases the earning potential of BC3 students.

The study was done by CCbenefits, a Moscow, Idaho, company established in 2000 in collaboration with the Association of Community College Trustees. The Heinz Endowments paid for the study and for a separate study done on the socioeconomic impact of the five community colleges in Western Pennsylvania.

The BC3 study included the three counties because of the college's three campuses in those counties.

"The study called BC3 an engine. Clearly, that's accurate," said Susan Changnon, BC3 spokeswoman.

The total includes the annual expense the college spends on buildings and day-to-day operations. It also includes what past and present students contribute to the community.

"I was a bit surprised," BC3 President Cynthia Azari said about the total contribution.

She said, though, when people are educated, they have increased earnings, which allow them to buy nicer homes that add to property taxes.

That cumulative effect of the college can be seen in the community, she said. These people participate in community events, vote in elections, and make improvements to their properties.

Scott Lowe, chairman of the county commissioners and a BC3 trustee, said the dollar amount contributed is surprising, but only to a certain extent.

"The college contributes a lot to the community in a lot of areas," he said, citing both the work force and academic training.

The study found workers who had taken classes at the college increase the regional income by $268.7 million.

Taxpayers also save money because the college-educated people improve health care, lower crime costs, and reduce welfare and unemployment. This will saves the state $3 million each year for the next 33 years, the study said.

That means for each credit earned, the state and local community will see a savings of $14 in these social costs, according to the study.

It also found the state and county money given to the college has a return. About $12.8 million a year is given to the college from government sources.

For every $1 the college gets from government sources, BC3 students contribute $8.44 in taxes in their lifetime, the study states.

Lowe pointed out BC3 alumni pay income taxes, support local business, buys cars and contribute to the community, Lowe said.

Those taxpayers also are earning more than their less-educated peers. And two-thirds of students who take classes, both credit and noncredit, stay in the area and have an annual income increase of $117 per year for each credit taken at the college.

A second study looks at the impact of the five community colleges in the western part of the state in a 12-county region, including BC3 and community colleges in Beaver, Allegheny, Cambria and Westmoreland counties. This study found the economy receives $3.4 billion in income from those college operations and the effects of past student productivity.