A new report commissioned by Dumfries and Galloway College (DGC) and undertaken independently by BiGGAR Economics has revealed that DGC delivered £142.1 million in total annual benefits for Scotland in 2024/25 – a return of £12 in benefits for every £1 received in public funding.
The comprehensive economic impact assessment, titled Economic and Wellbeing Impacts, provides a detailed analysis of the value generated by DGC across Scotland, including its contribution to employment, skills, graduate earnings, wellbeing, social value and the regional economy.
The findings will be presented at a parliamentary reception, sponsored by Finlay Carson MSP, on Thursday 29th October 2026.
Highlights from the full report, which can be downloaded below, include:
- £142.1 million in total annual benefits were generated across Scotland in 2024/25.
- £12 in total benefits were delivered for every £1 received in funding.
- £18.5 million in economic impact was created through the College’s operations, supply chain, staff spending and capital investment.
- £58.4 million in wellbeing impact was generated through student and staff engagement, graduate benefits, community learning and wider community engagement.
- £46.3 million in social value was delivered through qualifications, including those supporting essential sectors such as health and social care, teaching, engineering and computing.
- £19 million in graduate wage premiums was generated through enhanced earning potential and productivity associated with qualifications.
Douglas Dickson, Principal of Dumfries and Galloway College, said:
“This report puts a clear value on what Dumfries and Galloway College delivers every day – not only in the outcomes our students achieve, but in the opportunities those outcomes create for individuals, employers and communities across our region and further afield.”