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.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.
