Darton State College announced today that during fiscal year 2012 the College contributed $135.6million to the local economy, up 13.5 percent from $119.4 million in FY 2011.

“We are proud of the impact Darton State continues to have on the community and has had since opening our doors in 1966,” said Tracy Goode, dean of institutional advancement.

The annual study, which is done by the Selig Center for Economic Growth in the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business, analyzed data collected between July 1, 2011 and June 30, 2012. According to the study, of Darton’s total output impact student spending equaled $78 million, or 57 percent. Additionally, Darton generated 1,627 jobs – both on and off campus during FY 2012.

The study areas for Darton’s economic impact include Dougherty, Lee, Worth, Mitchell, Terrell, Colquitt, Baker, Sumter, Calhoun, and Tift counties.

“As this report reflects, a major part of Darton’s impact is directly correlated to student spending. Our local economy benefits as our student population grows, which is why we are constantly seeking to increase our number of program offerings and secure additional sources for scholarship funding, said Goode. “We believe an investment in Darton State College and our students is an investment in our local economy.”

The overall economic impact of the State’s 31 public colleges and universities reached $14.1 billion in FY 2012, a 7.4 percent increase from FY 2011. The study also found that Georgia’s public university system generated nearly 139,263 full-and part-time jobs.

ASU Contributes $148M to SWGA Economy

Albany State University’s economic impact in Southwest Georgia increased to $156 million, which represents a five percent increase over last year’s total of $148 million, according to a study released today by the Selig Center for Economic Growth in the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business.

"Albany State is a major contributor to the success of Southwest Georgia. As a community partner, we are committed to purchasing goods and services from companies and organizations that support our mission to create an environment that nurtures academically focused learners from diverse backgrounds," said ASU President Dr. Everette J. Freeman.

The report shows Albany State created 1,816 jobs in the region, which includes Dougherty, Lee, Worth, Mitchell, Terrell, Colquitt, Baker, Sumter, Calhoun and Tift counties. Of that total, 585 are on-campus jobs, while 1,231 are off-campus jobs that exist due to institution-related spending. Approximately 33 percent of the positions are on campus and 67 percent are off-campus positions in either the private or public sectors.

The annual economic report is conducted on behalf of the Board of Regents.

“This study measures the economic value of our faculty, staff and students as residents and consumers and of the university as purchaser of local goods and services. ASU’s economic impact continues to increase year after year,” said ASU Vice President for Fiscal Affairs Larry Wakefield.

An “output impact” (sales) of $14.1 billion was generated by 31 public colleges and universities within the University System of Georgia. System-wide, the USG records a 7.4 percent increase from the $13.2 billion recorded during fiscal year 2011 to 2012 and represents a growth of $900 million in direct and indirect spending.

Georgia’s public university system generated nearly 139,263 full and part-time jobs, or 3.6 percent of all jobs in the Peach State.

To calculate the economic impact for FY12, data was collected and analyzed between July 1, 2011, and June 30, 2012.