The economic impact of Clayton State University on the Georgia economy reaches nearly $300 million
(August 29, 2025) - Clayton State University’s economic impact in the southern Atlanta metro region increased to nearly $300 million in fiscal year 2024, according to a report released by the University System of Georgia (USG) this month. The total impact of all 26 USG institutions on their communities was $23.1 billion in fiscal year 2024, representing a 5.4% increase from $21.9 billion in FY 2023.
The institution’s total economic impact is nearly $300 million, comprising more than $178 million in education-related spending by students, as well as Clayton State’s personnel and operating expenses.
Clayton State’s collective employment impact in FY 2024 was 2,136 full- and part-time jobs – including 615 jobs on campus and 1,521 jobs off campus in either the private or public sectors.
Clayton State President Dr. Georj L. Lewis sees the latest report as further evidence that students, faculty, staff, and alumni have every reason to feel confident about the direction Clayton State University is heading.
“In looking at ways to reach our number one goal of increasing the social mobility of our students, Clayton State has made it a priority to attract high-caliber staff and faculty, Lewis said. “When recruiting new team members, we highlight the vibrancy of the Laker Nation as well as our commitment to delivering a top-tier education,” Lewis added. “There’s a real sense of momentum as we move forward at Clayton State, and the data reflects that others are just as enthusiastic as we are.”
In addition to the annual economic impact study, USG released a companion study that found bachelor’s degree graduates in the class of 2024 from Georgia’s public colleges and universities will earn $1.4 million more during their lifetimes than they would without a degree. According to the study, Georgia students outperform the national average. 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.
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 implications in terms of output (sales, plus or minus inventory), value added (gross regional product), labor income, and number of jobs.
The University of Georgia’s Selig Center for Economic Growth analyzed data for the period of July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, to calculate each school’s economic impact.