Global Impact FY2024 marked a record high for economic impact on the Peach State
Strong communities. Thriving businesses. Opportunities that change lives. A thriving economy is about more than numbers—it’s about growth for the people and by the people. At the center of that momentum in Georgia is its flagship institution, the University of Georgia. With an estimated economic impact of $8.4 billion, an increase of $300 million from the previous year, UGA is a driving force in preparing skilled graduates for the workforce and powering industries that keep the state moving forward.
“Throughout every corner of Georgia, the impact of our university’s teaching, research, and service is helping individuals and communities thrive,” said UGA President Jere W. Morehead. “Our outstanding faculty, staff, students, and alumni are proud to play a significant role in strengthening our state’s economic vitality.”
Nearly every degree earned at UGA is an investment that pays off statewide. According to the UGA Career Center, two out of every three UGA graduates stay in Georgia, filling critical workforce gaps, launching businesses, and driving corporate innovation. The graduates keep Georgia’s industries competitive and strengthen the state’s economic foundation so jobs, talent, and investment stay within the growing state.
As UGA’s research productivity and statewide outreach continue to grow, so does its impact on Georgia’s economy. Looking ahead, the opening of the new UGA School of Medicine is set to expand the state’s economic footprint by educating the next generation of physicians. Many of these graduates are expected to remain in Georgia to practice, increasing access to care across the state and generating an estimated $1.8 billion to $2.3 billion in economic impact by 2040.
UGA’s research dollars are also hard at work. IMPLAN, an economic impact model, estimates that each $1 of funding from federal or state organizations and foundations generates $2.13 in statewide economic activity. It doesn’t stop there: UGA-powered startups turn research discoveries into market-ready products on a nationally recognized level, while licensing deals and intellectual property developed by faculty keep new innovations—and revenue—flowing into Georgia’s economy.
With $8.4 billion in economic impact and growing, UGA is helping ensure that prosperity in Georgia is grounded in real-world results. The impact is just beginning. As new challenges and opportunities emerge, the University of Georgia will rise to respond and lead.
Annual report shows UGA’s economic impact reached a new high in FY 2024
Terry College's Selig Center releases 2025 Georgia Economic Outlook.
