ATLANTA — Georgia State University delivered a whopping $3.48 billion in economic impact to metro Atlanta and beyond in fiscal year 2025, an 8.1 percent increase over 2024, according to a new study released by the University System of Georgia (USG) Aug. 13.
Over the same time period, Georgia State employed nearly 5,000 faculty and staff, which in turn generated another 15,636 jobs and a $1.5 billion labor income impact.
Overall, the USG generated a record $25.1 billion for the state’s economy in fiscal year 2025 — an 8.9 percent increase over last year. At the same time, a companion study shows a USG degree continues to pay off for students, adding more than $1.4 million to a graduate’s lifetime earnings.
“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 $25.1 billion total economic impact for FY 2025 marks a substantial jump from $23.1 billion in FY 2024. It includes $16.3 billion in direct spending by students and by USG’s 26 institutions on personnel and operating costs, alongside an additional $8.8 billion generated in local communities as those dollars ripple through the broader economy.
Read more about the system's impact and see the full report here.