Dalton State College generated more than $167 million in economic impact during fiscal year 2025, an increase of nearly 12% over the previous year, according to a new economic impact report released by the University System of Georgia (USG). A companion study found that graduates from the Class of 2025 are poised to earn more than $1.4 million in additional lifetime earnings because of their college degree.
“These findings highlight what we see every day at Dalton State: when students succeed, our communities thrive. Our growing economic impact and the increased lifetime earning potential of our graduates underscore the value of higher education for students, employers and the region as a whole,” President John Fuchko, III, said. “Dalton State is proud to help drive economic growth across Northwest Georgia while providing students with the knowledge, skills and opportunities to build successful futures.”
Dalton State’s $167 million impact includes $144.6 million in direct spending by students and the college on personnel and operations and $22.4 million generated through the re-spending of those dollars throughout the region. Students’ personal expenditures accounted for $18.7 million of the overall re-spending within the local community. The study’s service area for Dalton State includes Whitfield, Murray, Catoosa, Gordon, Walker, Bartow, and Gilmer counties.
The companion study on lifetime earnings potential found that USG graduates earning bachelor’s degrees in 2025 are projected to earn approximately $1.4 million more during their lifetimes than individuals without a college degree. Dalton State offers 26 bachelor’s degree programs. In Georgia, high school graduates who earn a bachelor’s degree will boost their work-life earnings by 80%, compared to the national estimate of 77%.
“A USG degree isn’t just a diploma. It’s a game-changer for our students and a major win for Georgia’s economy,” USG Chancellor Sonny Perdue said. “Adding $25 billion to the state and giving our graduates a $1.4 million lifetime boost shows the real power of public higher education. When out students succeed, they put strong skills, a great work ethic and real value right back into Georgia communities.”
The college’s labor impact also increased by 3.7%, due to support of 1,270 full- and part-time jobs. For every job at Dalton State, an additional three jobs are sustained in surrounding communities through institution-related spending. The study found the USG and its institutions generated 170,096 jobs, creating about the same employment impact as Georgia’s top five employers combined.
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 Drives Record $25.1 Billion Economic Impact
