Imagine the power of a university that not only educates more than 47,000 students but also drives billions in economic impact—Kennesaw State is that powerhouse. In FY 2023 alone, KSU contributed a staggering $2.15 billion to Metro Atlanta’s economy, according to a University System of Georgia (USG) report.
KSU’s contribution is even more impressive considering how quickly it has grown into this role. Even as one of the younger major universities, KSU has risen to become the third-largest academic institution in Georgia with an economic force to be reckoned with.
In FY 2023, the economic impact of KSU saw a remarkable 5.6% increase from the previous year’s $2.03 billion. Across all 26 University System of Georgia institutions, the total economic impact reached $21.9 billion, up from $20.1 billion in fiscal year 2022.
Just as a race car needs high-octane fuel, a skilled driver, and a reliable pit crew to stay ahead, Georgia needs KSU to drive its economy forward. KSU’s financial contribution goes beyond numbers in how we fuel the local economy and drive it further. The university’s personnel and operating expenses, along with education-related spending by 47,000 students, generated billions of dollars in economic impact.
But the reach extends further—an additional $728 million flowed into the community through goods and services purchased by the institution, its employees, and students at local businesses, from restaurants to retail stores.
“Kennesaw State is an important driver of the economy within our region and the state of Georgia,” said KSU President Kathy S. Schwaig. “Our academic programs, impactful research, enrollment and community partnerships continue to have a growing positive impact.”
It takes a team to make a difference. Serving more than 47,000 students, KSU’s collective employment impact in FY 2023 was 15,904 full- and part-time jobs—including 4,271 jobs on campus and 11,633 jobs off campus in either the private or public sectors. For every job created on campus, another nearly 3 jobs were generated in the local community.
KSU isn’t just about immediate economic impact either. Our vision consists of long-term prosperity. The University System of Georgia’s companion study revealed that graduates with bachelor’s degrees from Georgia’s public colleges and universities, including KSU, will earn over $1.3 million more during their lifetimes than those without a degree.
“USG’s 26 public colleges and universities, individually and collectively, make a significant economic impact across the state, helping to put Georgians to work while spending money in local communities and helping their regional economies support Georgia’s growth,” USG Chancellor Sonny Perdue said. “At the same time, our graduates are the real winners with this million-dollar deal. We’re focused on continuing to help all our students be successful as they use their degrees to prepare themselves for their future prosperity.”
For more detailed information, you can read the full USG economic impact report at this link and the companion study on lifelong earnings for graduates at this link
