KENNESAW, Ga. | Jun 27, 2022

Kennesaw State University had an economic impact of $1.84 billion on Georgia in fiscal year 2021, according to a University System of Georgia (USG) report released today. 

Kennesaw State’s economic impact in FY 2021 marked an 11.6% increase from $1.65 billion the previous year, while the University System of Georgia’s economic impact grew by 3.8% over fiscal year 2020. The total impact of all 26 USG institutions on their local communities was $19.3 billion in FY 2021, up from $18.6 billion in fiscal year 2020.

The University’s personnel and operating expenses, combined with education-related spending by students, accounted for nearly $1.15 billion of its total FY 2021 economic impact. The remaining more than $650 million resulted from the institution, its employees and students purchasing goods and services in the community, such as at restaurants and retail stores.

“Kennesaw State has long had a strong economic impact within our region and the state of Georgia,” said Kathy Schwaig, president of Kennesaw State University. “As our academic programs, enrollment and partnerships continue to grow, the communities served by our University will see expanded benefits as well.”

Serving nearly 43,000 students, Kennesaw State’s collective employment impact in FY 2021 was 14,446 full- and part-time jobs – including 4,022 jobs on campus and 10,424 jobs off campus in either the private or public sectors.

“USG institutions and the system as a whole are key contributors to our state and are an economic engine for communities in every region of Georgia,” USG Chancellor Sonny Perdue said. “That economic impact continues to climb, and we are grateful to Gov. Brian Kemp and the General Assembly for their support of the University System and public higher education as we focus on increasing prosperity for the state and all Georgians.”

The University System’s measure of economic impact reflects direct and indirect spending that contributes to the regions served by its colleges and universities. The report evaluates economic impact in terms of output (sales, plus or minus inventory), value added (gross regional product), labor income and number of jobs.

The annual USG study was conducted by the Selig Center for Economic Growth in the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business, which analyzed data collected between July 1, 2020, and June 30, 2021, to calculate each school’s economic impact.

Read the full USG economic impact report here.

Photo by Jason Getz

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A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 47,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.