January 6, 2025
For Immediate Release
Office of Public Information
Crowder College
RE: Crowder College generates over $128 M in annual economic impact across Missouri
Neosho, MO – Crowder College contributes more than $128 million in total annual economic output to the State of Missouri according to an economic impact study prepared by an independent firm, Zenith Economics. The report found Crowder’s presence impacts nearly 1000 jobs and generates more than $57 million in annual labor income.
“Crowder College plays a critical role by expanding career opportunities for people in our region and develops the skilled talent our workforce needs to grow and thrive,” stated Dr. Chett Daniel, President, Crowder College. “This report validates what we already know. Crowder provides an incredible return on investment for tax payers and students.” The report found for every public dollar invested in Crowder College, the college provide $2.30 in return. Dr. Daniel concluded, “True to our vision, we are changing lives and strengthening communities throughout southwest Missouri.”
This study looks at:
- Direct Impact – College payroll, new building projects, and visitors from outside the region or students coming from outside our district paying for regional goods and services as they attend Crowder.
- Indirect Impact – Crowder College construction contractor purchases new equipment from a local supplier.
- Induced Impact – Employee of Crowder goes to local restaurant in southwest Missouri, buying groceries or going to the movies
- Alumni Wage Outcomes and Individual Return on Investment- Earning power of graduates among many of Crowder’s programs that produce the highest number of graduates.
Some of the top industries benefiting from Crowder College direct impacts in the state of Missouri based on 2024-25 information include: Real estate, Health care, manufacturing, and retail. The complete economic impact study is available on our website: https://www.crowder.edu/about-crowder/economic-impact/
The investment Crowder College has made in the Joplin Advanced Training & Workforce Center will greatly impact the area with state-of-the-art training facilities opportunities for the region. The new center located at 3405 S. Hammons Blvd, Joplin, will host a ribbon cutting January 26, 2026, 1:30 pm.
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Dr. Chett Daniel will be available January 8, 2026 from 9-11:30 am for interviews. Please contact my office if you would like to schedule a time or if you have additional questions.