South Georgia State College (SGSC) made a $67.8 million impact on the regional economy and was responsible for more than 603 jobs locally during fiscal year 2025. “South Georgia State College’s impact reaches far beyond our campuses,” said SGSC President Dr. Greg Tanner. “Every student we educate, every partnership we build and every graduate who enters the workforce contributes to the strength of South Georgia. This $67.8 million economic impact demonstrates that investing in higher education is also an investment in our communities, our businesses and the long-term prosperity of our region.”
Dr. Tanner highlighted SGSC’s dedication to supporting local businesses and industries by expanding associate transfer pathways and bachelor’s degree programs. He noted, “Our responsibility is to make sure the programs we offer connect students with real opportunities. That means working with our community and industry partners, expanding pathways to high-demand careers and making it possible for more students to earn a college credential close to home. When our students succeed, South Georgia benefits.”
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 $67.8 million recorded as SGSC’s economic impact to the service area for fiscal year 2025 (July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025). This area includes Atkinson, Bacon, Brantley, Clinch, Coffee, Jeff Davis, Pierce and Ware counties. During fiscal year 2025, SGSC’s total employment impact was noted as 603 including on-campus and off-campus jobs that exist due to institution-related spending. “This report puts a number on something we see every day, the important role SGSC plays in the communities we serve,” said Dr. Tanner. “Our students become educators, healthcare professionals, business leaders, engineers and other skilled professionals who live, work and contribute right here in South Georgia. When SGSC grows opportunity for our students, that impact extends to families, employers and communities throughout the region.”
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 $25.1 billion for fiscal year 2025, an 8.9 percent increase from the previous year. The USG also generated 170,096 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 2025 will earn over $1.4 million more during their lifetimes than they would have without their college degree.
“A USG degree isn’t just a diploma. It’s a game-changer for our students and a major win for Georgia’s economy,” USG Chancellor Sonny Perdue said. “Adding $25 billion to the state and giving our graduates a $1.4 million lifetime boost shows the real power of public higher education. When our students succeed, they put strong skills, a great work ethic and real value right back into Georgia communities.”
The full economic impact report can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/media/usg/news-documents/USG-Impact-FY-2025-06-08-2026.pdf
