South Georgia State College (SGSC) contributed $61.9 million to the regional economy and was responsible for more than 651 local jobs in fiscal year 2023. Dr. Greg Tanner, Interim President of SGSC, stated, “The University System of Georgia Board of Regents Economic Impact Study underscores the important role an organization plays in the regional economy. By sharing this information, we underscore South Georgia State College’s essential contributions to developing the future workforce and community leaders. This study confirms what we have always known: SGSC is a driving force behind workforce and economic development, providing additional tax revenue and enriching lives through our educational programs. Not only are we preparing students for the future, but we are also having a significant impact on today’s economy.”

Dr. Tanner emphasized SGSC’s commitment to meeting the needs of local businesses and industries through investments in associate transfer pathways and bachelor’s degrees. He stated, “The college has focused on building community partnerships that tailor our program offerings to regional needs. The more educational resources we provide to our communities, the more we all benefit from a better-educated workforce.”

SGSC’s academic portfolio includes Bachelor of Science degrees in Biological Sciences (BSBS), Elementary/Special Education (ELE/SPED), Management (BSM), Mechanical Engineering Technology (BSMET), and Nursing (BSN). In addition, over 20 degree programs in the Associate of Arts and Associate of Science programs continue to attract those who wish to attend SGSC and graduate in two years.

The impact of SGSC is significant for the region, according to the study conducted by the Selig Center for Economic Growth at the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business. Students, faculty, staff, alumni and visitors contributed to the more than $61.9 million recorded as SGSC’s economic impact on the service area for fiscal year 2023 (July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023). This area includes Atkinson, Bacon, Brantley, Clinch, Coffee, Jeff Davis, Pierce and Ware counties. In fiscal year 2023, SGSC’s total job impact was reported at 651, including on- and off-campus jobs created due to institution-related spending. The results show that SGSC creates value from multiple perspectives, including the opportunity for graduates to increase their lifetime earnings and increase consumer spending in the region, while providing an influx of skilled, trained workers to the region’s workforce.

The Selig Annual Report is prepared on behalf of the Board of Regents by Dr. Jeffrey M. Humphreys, director of the Selig Center for Economic Growth at the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business. The report shows that the University System of Georgia (USG) had a statewide economic impact of $21.9 billion in fiscal year 2023, a 9 percent increase over the previous year. USG also directly or indirectly created 163,332 jobs.

As mentioned in the report, Humphreys simultaneously found in a companion study that USG bachelor’s graduates in the class of 2023 will earn more than $1.4 million more over their lifetime than if they did not have a college degree.

“USG continues to be a multi-million-dollar business for our graduates, and we have data to show that USG degrees will help them increase their wealth and success,” said USG Chancellor Sonny Perdue. “At the same time, we are a multi-billion-dollar business for Georgia. Our 26 public colleges and universities have a significant economic impact by helping to put Georgians to work and support local communities across the state.”

The full economic impact report can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/assets/usg/docs/news_files/USG_Economic_Impact_2023.pdf