In 1988, a study was conducted to determine the economic impact of Central Community College (CCC) on the surrounding communities. Using a research model developed specifically for use by public rural community colleges, the study drew upon data compiled from college records, local government sources, as well as from a survey of CCC students, staff, and faculty. Questionnaires, soliciting information on demographic characteristics and expenditure patterns, were distributed to all full- and part-time faculty and staff and a random sample of day and evening students. Study findings, based on available data and survey responses from 215 faculty/staff members (a 56% response rate) and 724 students (a 28% response rate), included the following: (1) CCC generated a total business volume in the surrounding communities of $55,213,335 for 1986-87; (2) while local property taxes paid in support of the college totaled $7,003,052 in 1986-87, personal income to local individuals in the communities resulting from college-related jobs and business activity was $75,951,900; (3) 4,241 local jobs were attributable to the presence of CCC; (4) the value of durable goods purchased with income from college-related jobs and business activity was $9,873,747; (5) college-related deposits in local banks contributed $7,482,192 to the local credit base; (6) the value of local business property committed to college-related business was $8,649,581, and the property taxes paid on that local business property totalled $3,248,830; and (7) 83% of the college's expenditures were spent locally. (AYC)