Dalton State College generated an annual economic impact of more than $149 million between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024 — 8% more than the previous year – and recent graduates are poised to earn over $1 million more than they would without a college degree, according to two new studies released by the University System of Georgia (USG).
“Dalton State College continues to be a driving force in Northwest Georgia’s economy through our operations and through the students we serve,” President John Fuchko, III, said. “With strong enrollment growth in the past three years, Dalton State is creating real economic momentum for the region and strengthening social mobility our graduates and their families.”
Dalton State’s $149.1 million impact includes $130.3 million in direct spending by students and the college on personnel and operations and $18.9 million generated through the re-spending of those dollars within the region, which includes Whitfield, Murray, Catoosa, Gordon, Walker, Bartow, and Gilmer counties. Capital outlay projects at Dalton State during that period produced an additional $7.2 million impact.
The college’s labor impact also increased by 3%, due to support of 1,224 full- and part-time jobs. For every job at Dalton State, three more are sustained in the surrounding community through institution-related spending. The study found the USG and its institutions generated 168,635 jobs, creating about the same employment impact as Georgia’s top five employers combined.
A companion study on lifetime earnings potential found that USG bachelor’s graduates from the Class of 2024 will earn $1.4 million more during their lifetimes than they would have without their college degree. Dalton State offers 26 bachelor’s degree programs. High school graduates who obtain a bachelor’s degree will boost their work-life earnings in Georgia by 82%, exceeding the 80% increase estimated for the nation.
“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,” USG Chancellor Sonny Perdue said. “Students see real returns through higher earnings and better opportunities. Meanwhile, our institutions power Georgia’s economy and help local communities thrive.”
Dalton State’s 845 graduates from the Class of 2024 can expect combined total lifetime earnings of $2.4 billion, which is $905 million more than they could expect to earn had they not finished college or graduate school.
Both studies were conducted on behalf of USG by Jeffrey M. Humphreys, director of the Selig Center for Economic Growth in the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business.
For the full reports see: University System of Georgia’s Economic Impact Increases to $23.1 Billion
