GREELEY - Aims Community College contributes $1 billion per year to the regional economy, according to a new report.

Idaho-based research firm Economic Modeling Specialists Inc. analyzed Aims’ impacts through local purchases including wages; spending of students who travel from outside of the region; and the increase in the local workforce’s skill base.

“We’ve always known the benefits Aims provides to the region, but it’s very impressive to have it quantified, to have the tangible numbers,” said Marsi Liddell, president of Aims, in a prepared statement.

The report highlighted such benefits as a $169 annual income increase for every credit a student completes at Aims; an 18 percent return on investment for students’ time and money; and a 7.8 percent return on investment for state and local taxpayers. The report also quantified the impact of a reduced crime rate and lower welfare and unemployment.