Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) continues to increase its economic impact in South Georgia, according to the University System of Georgia’s latest numbers.

For Fiscal Year 2024 (July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024), ABAC contributed $128.2 million to the region’s economy, an increase of 7.7 percent from the previous year. The growth was the second largest among Georgia’s state colleges and the seventh-largest increase among the USG’s 26 institutions. The annual report was prepared by the Selig Center for Economic Growth at the University of Georgia.

ABAC’s President, Dr. Tracy Brundage, said that the college takes pride in its role as a key contributor to the South Georgia economy, providing graduates who are well-equipped to lead the way in the future

“The report reflects the vital role ABAC plays as an economic engine for this region,” she said. “Our college has long been a driver of economic prosperity in South Georgia. We remain committed to strengthening local economies here and providing graduates who are prepared to become leaders in their local communities.”

The economic impact combines spending by the institution as well as students. With a multiplier value of 1.52, every dollar of initial spending generates an additional 52 cents for the economy in the region.

“The Stafford School of Business continues to serve as a catalyst for economic vitality through strategic partnerships and forward-thinking curricula,” said Dr. Franzelle Mathis-Pertilla, Interim Dean of ABAC’s Stafford School of Business. “We are proud to be a driving force in South Georgia’s growth – preparing students to not only excel professionally, but also positively contribute to the communities they call home.”

Also, the report showed that ABAC had a labor income impact of $56.1 million, an increase from $48.8 million in the previous fiscal year. Also, ABAC contributed a total of 1,210 jobs last year, including 352 on-campus jobs and 858 off-campus jobs … an increase of 44 jobs from FY 2023. 

As a whole, the USG contributed $23.1 billion to Georgia in the last fiscal year, an increase of 5.4 percent, and 163,332 full- and part-time jobs.

In addition to the economic impact report, the USG released a companion study indicating that bachelor’s degree graduates from Georgia’s public colleges and universities will earn $1.4 million more during their lifetimes than they would without a degree.

“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,” said USG Chancellor Sonny Perdue. “Students see real returns through higher earnings and better opportunities. Meanwhile, our institutions power Georgia’s economy and help local communities thrive.

For ABAC’s 658 graduates who earned degrees in FY 24, it is projected that they will have $1.93 billion in work-life earnings, with $731.5 million (38 percent) of that total due to their college degree.