Gordon State College contributed nearly $130 million to the regional economy and provided 1,310 jobs in fiscal year 2017, according to a report released recently by the University System of Georgia.
The fiscal year spanned July 1, 2016, to June 30, 2017.
Of the college’s total job impact, 325 exist on campus with 985 off-campus jobs that exist due to institution-related spending.
According to the report, spending by GSC students accounted for $75 million of the $130 million contributed to the regional economy.
There are approximately 3,700 students enrolled at Gordon State College.
“It is impressive to note Gordon’s economic contribution to the region,” said GSC President Kirk A. Nooks. “The jobs we provide and the services we engage are critical to sustaining a vibrant economy. As the college continues to grow and thrive, we will expect even greater possibilities in the years to come.”
The report showed that the University System of Georgia had a $16.8 billion economic impact on the state, that the USG created 163,754 jobs last year, and that 2.2 of those jobs were created for every one USG job in an institution’s home town.
“As we strive to graduate more students, keep college affordable and increase the efficiency in delivering education, it’s important to keep in mind that higher education is an investment, and from these numbers, it’s a smart one,” said USG Chancellor Steve Wrigley. “Communities across our state and the state as a whole are benefitting from the economic engine that is the USG and its 26 institutions.”
The economic impact demonstrates that continued emphasis on colleges and universities as a pillar of the state’s economy translates into jobs, higher incomes and greater production of goods and services.
The annual study 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 entire study can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/y7hlv582