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    1. UNG
    2. News

    University's economic impact exceeds $755 million

    June 27, 2022
    UNG made an economic impact of more than $755 million on its region during fiscal year 2021, marking a 4.4% increase.

    Article By: Sylvia Carson

    The University of North Georgia's (UNG) economic impact totaled more than $755 million on northeast Georgia during fiscal year 2021, a 4.4% increase from the previous year. The impact includes $722.8 million in spending and jobs and an additional $32.4 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.

    "UNG is deeply committed to the success of our students and the strength and prosperity of the communities we serve. This report shows that UNG continues to be a positive catalyst for economic growth and community development across the northeast Georgia region and beyond," UNG President Bonita C. Jacobs said.

    Included in UNG's economic impact is $278.5 million in spending by about 19,000 students, which alone created 3,003 jobs in the area. On average, for every dollar spent by the university, an additional 47 cents is generated for the region.

    The study area for UNG was Barrow, Clarke, Dawson, Fannin, Forsyth, Gilmer, Gwinnett, Hall, Jackson, Lumpkin, Madison, Oconee, Union, and White counties. These counties are where UNG campuses are located and contiguous communities. 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.
    UNG is deeply committed to the success of our students and the strength and prosperity of the communities we serve. This report shows that UNG continues to be a positive catalyst for economic growth and community development across the northeast Georgia region and beyond.

    Dr. Bonita C. Jacobs

    UNG president

    UNG, which has campuses in Blue Ridge, Cumming, Dahlonega, Gainesville, and Oconee County, also had a regional employment impact of 6,325 jobs in the same period. The employment impact includes on-campus and off-campus jobs.

    The report noted that on average, for each job created on campus, two off-campus jobs exist because of spending related to the institution.

    As a whole, all USG public colleges and universities in 2021 had a statewide impact of $19.3 billion, a 3.8% increase.

    The system directly and indirectly generated 152,629 jobs.

    "USG institutions and the system as a whole are key contributors to our state and are an economic engine for communities in every region of Georgia," USG Chancellor Sonny Perdue said. "That economic impact continues to climb, and we are grateful to Governor Brian Kemp and the General Assembly for their support of the university system and public higher education as we focus on increasing prosperity for the state and all Georgians."

    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 full economic impact report is available online.

    Contact the Author

    IESA faculty and students map Unicoi Wagon Trail

    IESA faculty and students map Unicoi Wagon Trail

    Two UNG students and a faculty member of the Lewis F. Rogers Institute for Environmental & Spatial Analysis (IESA) have created a map of the 200-plus-year-old Unicoi Turnpike, which was a wagon trail that connected Savannah, Georgia, by way of the Tugaloo River, to Knoxville, Tennessee.
    Career Services help students find jobs

    Career Services help students find jobs

    Students seeking to secure part-time or full-time jobs and internships can boost their resume and interview skills via UNG's Career Services. This preparation helps students succeed at upcoming job and career fairs.
    GTA shows return to stage this year

    GTA shows return to stage this year

    Gainesville Theatre Alliance plans to resume performing its shows on stage this academic year.

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