Savannah State University (SSU) contributed $164.4 million to Georgia’s economy in fiscal year 2024, according to a report from the Selig Center for Economic Growth at the University of Georgia. The report tracks the economic impact of all 26 public colleges and universities in the University System of Georgia (USG), showing that SSU’s economic contribution grew by 9.3% over the previous year.
The analysis attributes this growth to institutional spending, student expenditures, and capital investment. These activities channel money into the regional economy through wages, operating costs, student spending, and local purchasing.
“For every job on campus, two more are supported off-campus through goods and services related to the university,” said SSU President Dr. Jermaine Whirl. “This report affirms what we already know — that Savannah State is not only educating future leaders, but also serving as a powerful economic engine for the region.”
Statewide, USG institutions generated $23.1 billion in total sales output, $16.5 billion in gross regional product, $10.9 billion in labor income, and supported 168,635 full- and part-time jobs—about 3.3% of all non-farm jobs in Georgia. Of this activity, SSU’s share included $65.6 million from student spending, $60.8 million from personnel services, and $37.8 million from operating expenses.
The report also notes that each dollar spent by a USG institution creates an additional 52 cents of economic activity locally due to multiplier effects as funds circulate through businesses such as restaurants, housing providers, transportation companies, retailers, and healthcare services.
While specific employment figures for SSU were not detailed in the summary data released system-wide, it was confirmed that approximately 11 jobs are supported across Georgia for every million dollars spent by a USG institution.
In addition to direct financial contributions and job support, SSU’s programs in culture, research, and public service enhance community life and encourage innovation and partnerships throughout Southeast Georgia.
The study further points out that higher education has long-term benefits beyond immediate economic impacts: degrees awarded by USG schools increase lifetime earnings for graduates and help build a workforce prepared for high-skill industries.
Savannah State University was established in 1890 as Georgia’s oldest public historically Black college or university (HBCU) and offers undergraduate and graduate programs across five colleges: Business Administration; Education; Sciences and Humanities; Engineering Technology and Computing; Media, Arts and Communication.
More information about Savannah State University can be found at https://www.savannahstate.edu/. Details about the full economic impact study are available at www.selig.uga.edu.
