The University of North Georgia (UNG) contributed over $780 million to the regional economy in fiscal year 2024, according to a new study. This total comprises $768 million in direct and indirect expenditures related to operations and employment, reflecting a 3.1% rise compared to the previous year, along with $12.3 million attributed to capital construction activities. The analysis, conducted by Dr. Jeffrey M. Humphreys of the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business, evaluates the broader economic influence of institutions within the University System of Georgia (USG). n nUNG President Michael Shannon emphasized the institution’s broader mission, stating that the university transforms purpose into tangible outcomes by fostering leadership and enabling student success. n nStudent spending played a significant role, amounting to nearly $286 million across UNG’s campuses in Blue Ridge, Cumming, Dahlonega, Gainesville, and Oconee County. This expenditure supported approximately 2,941 local jobs. For every dollar the university spends, an additional 44 cents is generated in the surrounding region, demonstrating a strong multiplier effect. n nThe institution also sustained 6,184 jobs regionally, including 1,871 positions directly on campus. The data indicates that each on-campus job supports more than two off-campus roles due to institutional spending. The study’s geographic scope covered the primary service communities and adjacent counties: Barrow, Clarke, Dawson, Fannin, Forsyth, Gilmer, Gwinnett, Hall, Jackson, Lumpkin, Madison, Union, and White. n nAcross the entire USG system, public higher education institutions generated $23.1 billion in statewide economic impact during 2024—an increase of 5.4% year-over-year—and supported 168,635 full- and part-time positions. Graduates from the class of 2024 with bachelor’s degrees are projected to earn $1.4 million more over their lifetimes than they would have without a degree, reinforcing the long-term value of higher education. n nUNG continues to expand its academic reach, offering programs from associate to doctoral levels. In 2024, it ranked among the top degree-granting institutions in the USG and experienced an 11.4% growth in dual enrollment, now hosting the second-highest number of such students in the system. This growth strengthens the regional talent pipeline and enhances college readiness for high school learners. n nUSG Chancellor Sonny Perdue highlighted the broader significance, noting that a degree from any of the system’s 26 institutions delivers substantial financial returns for individuals while fueling economic vitality across Georgia. n— news from University of North Georgia
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The University of North Georgia ‘s (UNG) economic impact totaled more than $780 million on northeast Georgia during fiscal year 2024. The impact includes more than $768 million in spending and jobs, a 3.1% increase from a year earlier, and an additional $12.3 million impact attributed to capital construction projects. The annual study of the University System of Georgia ‘s (USG) economic impact measures direct and indirect spending that contributes to the university ‘s service region. n n”The University of North Georgia isn ‘t just higher education. It ‘s higher purpose,” UNG President Michael Shannon said. “UNG turns purpose into action. We deliver unmatched value, develop courageous leaders and help every student rise to meet what comes next.” n nIncluded in UNG ‘s economic impact is almost $286 million in spending by about 18,000 students, which alone created 2,941 jobs in the area. On average, for every dollar spent by the university, an additional 44 cents are generated for the region. n nUNG has campuses in Blue Ridge, Cumming, Dahlonega, Gainesville, and Oconee County. The study area included those communities and the contiguous counties — Barrow, Clarke, Dawson, Fannin, Forsyth, Gilmer, Gwinnett, Hall, Jackson, Lumpkin, Madison, Oconee, Union, and White counties. Study areas for each school in the report were defined based on the Residence County to Workplace County Flows for Georgia, 2009-2013 from the U.S. Census Bureau. n nUNG also had a regional employment impact of 6,184 jobs in the same period. The employment impact includes 1,871 on-campus jobs. The report noted that on average, for each job created on campus, more than two off-campus jobs exist because of spending related to the institution. n nAs a whole, all USG public colleges and universities in 2024 had a statewide impact of $23.1 billion, a 5.4% increase. n nConducted on behalf of USG by Dr. Jeffrey M. Humphreys, director of the Selig Center for Economic Growth in the University of Georgia ‘s Terry College of Business, the study also showed USG over the same period generated 168,635 full- and part-time jobs across Georgia. n nHumphreys’ companion study found that USG bachelor ‘s graduates from the class of 2024 on average will earn $1.4 million more during their lifetimes than they would have without their college degree, supporting the value of higher education, especially for high school graduates who earn a bachelor’s degree. UNG academic programs range from associate to doctoral programs, and, among USG institutions, UNG was one of the top degree-conferring universities in 2024. The university has also seen an 11.4% jump in dual enrollment and has the second-most dual enrollment students in the USG — underscoring its expanding role in preparing high school students for college success and contributing to the region ‘s talent pipeline. n n”A degree from one of USG’s 26 public colleges and universities is a million-dollar deal for graduates and a billion-dollar boost for Georgia,” USG Chancellor Sonny Perdue said. “Students see real returns through higher earnings and better opportunities. Meanwhile, our institutions power Georgia’s economy and help local communities thrive.” n nThe full economic impact and lifetime earnings reports are available online.