South Georgia State College (SGSC) made a $61.9 million impact on the regional economy and was responsible for more than 651 jobs locally during fiscal year 2023. SGSC’s Interim President Dr. Greg Tanner shared, “The economic impact study from the University System of Georgia Board of Regents highlights the vital 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 reaffirms what we’ve always known: SGSC is a driving force behind workforce and economic development, adding tax revenue, and enhancing lives through our educational programs. We’re not only preparing students for the future but also making a significant impact on today’s economy.”
Dr. Tanner emphasized SGSC’s commitment to meeting the needs of local businesses and industries through its investment in associate transfer pathways and baccalaureate degrees. He stated, “The college has concentrated on building community partnerships that align our program offerings with regional demands. 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 pathways in Associate of Arts and Associate of Science programs continue to attract those who wish to attend SGSC and graduate in two years.
SGSC’s impact is significant for the region as shown in the study compiled by the Selig Center for Economic Growth at the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business. Students, faculty, staff, alumni and visitors played a role in the more than $61.9 million recorded as SGSC’s economic impact to 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. During fiscal year 2023, SGSC’s total employment impact was noted as 651 including on-campus and off-campus jobs that exist due to institution-related spending. The results demonstrate that SGSC creates value from multiple perspectives, including the opportunity for graduates to raise their lifetime earnings and increasing consumer spending in the region while supplying a flow of qualified, trained workers to the area’s workforce.
The Selig Annual Report is conducted on behalf of the Board of Regents by Jeffrey M. Humphreys, Ph.D., director of the Selig Center for Economic Growth in the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business. The report shows that The University System of Georgia (USG) recorded a statewide economic impact of $21.9 billion for fiscal year 2023, a 9 percent increase from the previous year. The USG also generated 163,332 jobs, either directly or indirectly.
As noted in the report, concurrently, Humphreys in a companion study found that USG bachelor’s graduates from the Class of 2023 will earn over $1.4 million more during their lifetimes than they would have without their college degree.
“USG continues to be a million-dollar deal for our graduates, and we have the data to prove USG degrees will help them increase their prosperity and success,” USG Chancellor Sonny Perdue said. “At the same time, we are a billion-dollar deal for Georgia. Our 26 public colleges and universities make a significant economic impact by helping to put Georgians to work and sustaining 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