Georgia’s public colleges and universities generated a record $25.1 billion economic impact during fiscal year 2025, according to a new University System of Georgia study.

The University System of Georgia includes 25 public colleges and universities across the state. The study found that students and USG institutions accounted for approximately $16.3 billion in direct spending on personnel, operations and student expenses. That activity generated another $8.8 billion in economic activity in communities across Georgia.

The system also supported an estimated 170,096 jobs statewide. USG officials say that for every job created on a university campus, approximately two additional jobs are supported in the surrounding community.

The report also examined the long-term financial value of earning a college degree.

Researchers estimate that Georgia students graduating in 2025 will collectively earn approximately $249 billion during their working lives — about $77 billion more than they would have earned without completing college or graduate school.

The estimated additional lifetime earnings vary considerably depending on the credential earned. A certificate is associated with nearly $309,000 in additional lifetime earnings, while an associate degree adds approximately $388,000.

The study estimates that earning a bachelor’s degree adds approximately $1.42 million in lifetime earnings. A master’s degree adds about $1.73 million, while professional degrees and doctorates produce even larger estimated gains.

University System Chancellor Sonny Perdue said the findings demonstrate that Georgia’s public colleges and universities provide benefits extending beyond individual graduates, with educated workers contributing their skills and earnings to communities throughout the state.

The economic-impact and lifetime-earnings studies were conducted by Jeffrey Humphreys, director of the Selig Center for Economic Growth at the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business.