by Robin Kemp
Clayton State University rang up a $302.5 million economic impact for fiscal year 2019, according to the University System of Georgia. That’s up 6.8 percent from $283.2 million the previous year.
Out of all state universities in Georgia, Clayton State ranked first in year-over-year percentage increase and second for overall economic impact.
President Dr. Tim Hynes said, “We are grateful to be able to continue to contribute to our local economy in direct ways—this study showing us to have the largest positive impact change among similar universities.”
Most of that economic impact drives Clayton County and surrounding Southside areas.
Clayton State had an effect on 2,676 local jobs, including 845 on campus and 1,831 off-campus positions due to institution-related spending.
Clayton State students spent $101 million in FY 2019. Most of that was spent on groceries, healthcare, textbooks, and eating out.
“It is also important to recognize, as the study’s authors note, that the study does not include the enormous long term economic benefits of our university to the community’s economic development,” Hynes pointed out.
Examples include “a local business’ access to contributing part-time and full-time employees and students, and how we positively contribute to the community’s cultural needs and intellectual capital that daily support those communities,” he explained. “We contribute culturally to the region with institutions such as Spivey Hall. The study indeed demonstrates many ways in which Clayton State gratefully advances the metropolitan area.”
The economic impact annual study was conducted on behalf of the Board of Regents by the Selig Center for Economic Growth at the Terry College of Business of The University of Georgia. To calculate the economic impact for FY 2018, it analyzed data collected between July 1, 2018 and June 30, 2019.
