Gordon State College contributed nearly $135 million to the regional economy in fiscal year (FY) 2025, marking a 7.5% increase from the previous year, according to the University System of Georgia’s latest economic impact report.
Released Thursday, Aug. 13, the report found that GSC generated an economic output impact of $134,839,815, up from $125,439,845 in FY 2024. The increase represents approximately $9.4 million in additional economic impact within one year.
At GSC, initial spending was valued at $84,180,766, generating an output impact of $134,839,815. The value-added impact of the College totaled $92,563,333.
“Gordon State College’s economic impact begins with our students and extends throughout the communities we serve,” said Russell Crutchfield, Ed.D., GSC president. “By preparing graduates to enter the workforce with the knowledge, skills and confidence to succeed, we are investing in the strength and prosperity of our region. As Gordon State moves forward, we remain committed to creating opportunities that help our students, communities and Georgia prosper.”
GSC’s economic activity supported 872 jobs throughout the region, including 196 jobs on campus and 676 jobs within the surrounding community. The study found that for each job a USG institution creates on campus, two additional jobs are supported in the local community.
Highlander Nation’s growth contributed to a record year for USG, which generated $25.1 billion in economic impact across Georgia in FY 2025, an 8.9% increase from $23.1 billion the previous year. USG’s 25 institutions collectively generated 170,096 jobs across the state.
A companion study further demonstrated the long-term economic value of higher education for graduates. Bachelor’s degree recipients from USG’s Class of 2025 are expected to earn, on average, more than $1.4 million in additional lifetime earnings compared with individuals who do not earn a college degree.
The study found that each level of higher education increases a graduate’s expected lifetime earnings. Associate degree recipients can expect approximately $388,000 in additional lifetime earnings, while bachelor’s degree recipients can expect more than $1.4 million.
Collectively, USG’s Class of 2025 can expect lifetime earnings of $249 billion, approximately $77 billion more than they would have earned without completing college or graduate school. In Georgia, high school graduates who earn a bachelor’s degree are expected to increase their work-life earnings by 80%, exceeding the national estimate of 77%.
Both studies were conducted on behalf of USG by Jeffrey M. Humphreys, Ph.D., director of the Selig Center for Economic Growth at the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business.
