Augusta University contributed $1.62 billion to Georgia’s economy in fiscal year 2024, according to the University System of Georgia’s (USG) annual report on economic impact. The university’s activities also generated 11,543 jobs statewide during the period from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024. This represents a 4.6% increase in economic impact compared to the previous year.
Augusta University President Russell T. Keen commented on the institution’s role: “Augusta University’s growth adds tremendous value to Georgia and beyond. With record enrollment, groundbreaking research and new facilities being added, our economic impact across the state continues to increase,” said Keen. “We are focused on driving research, empowering student success and engaging with our community. As the state’s designated health sciences university, our faculty are leaders in their fields, and our research leads to life-changing, lifesaving discoveries. We prioritize student success, supporting our students both in and out of the classroom. Our students, faculty and staff make a real difference in people’s lives, not only here in Georgia, but around the world.”
The Medical College of Georgia’s regional campuses were responsible for more than $42 million of this total impact and created 389 jobs within Georgia.
The newly established Medical College of Georgia Savannah at Georgia Southern University Campus was not included in these figures as it officially opened after FY 2024 concluded.
Student spending played a significant part in Augusta University’s local influence; its 10,546 students spent about $239.2 million during FY 2024.
Enrollment numbers have been rising steadily at Augusta University. Last fall saw an increase of nearly ten percent over the previous year with total enrollment reaching 11,584 students. Early data for fall 2025 indicates that enrollment will exceed 12,000 students—marking ten consecutive years of growth.
Keen noted: “At Augusta University, we’re dedicated to putting students first and making every interaction count,” he said. “Our goal is to create a cutting-edge learning environment that sets them up for success in the workforce. This commitment is clear in our growing student body, exceptional faculty and high-quality academic programs, which have consistently produced successful graduates.
“There’s a lot of momentum at Augusta University right now. Reaching this enrollment milestone shows our dedication to constantly improving every interaction and experience, which has driven up demand for the health sciences, liberal arts and technology-driven education we’ve become known for,” Keen added.
A companion study released alongside USG’s main report assessed potential lifetime earnings for graduates from USG institutions—including Augusta University—showing that members of the Class of 2024 can expect average additional lifetime earnings exceeding $1.4 million compared with those who do not hold college degrees.
In fiscal year 2023 alone (the most recent full academic cycle), Augusta University awarded more than two thousand credentials spanning bachelor’s degrees (1,013), master’s degrees (637), professional degrees (335), doctoral degrees (171), certificates (84), and associate degrees (2).
Across all USG institutions collectively—including Augusta University—the total economic contribution reached $23.1 billion for fiscal year 2024—a rise from $21.9 billion last year—with direct spending accounting for most of this figure while indirect effects made up an additional $7.9 billion.
USG Chancellor Sonny Perdue stated: “A degree from one of USG’s 26 public colleges and universities is a million-dollar deal for graduates and a billion-dollar boost for Georgia,” Perdue said.“Students see real returns through higher earnings and better opportunities.Meanwhile ,our institutions power Georgia ’s economyand help local communities thrive.”
According to work-life earnings estimates based on current graduation rates statewide ,the Classof2024fromallUSGinstitutionscouldcollectivelyexpecttoreceive$230billioninlifetimeearnings–$73billionmorethaniftheyhadnotcompletedacollegedegree.Highschoolgraduateswhoobtainabachelor’sdegreeinGeorgiacanincreasework-lifeearningsby82%,whichisabove thenationalaverageincreaseestimatedat80%.
