Kennesaw State economic impact on the rise to $2.3 billion
KENNESAW, Ga. | Aug 14, 2025
Kennesaw State’s FY 2024 economic impact in the Atlanta Metropolitan Statistical Area marked a 7.1% increase from $2.15 billion the previous year. The total impact of all 26 USG institutions on their communities was $23.1 billion in fiscal year 2024, up 5.4% from $21.9 billion in FY 2023.
The institution’s total economic impact of $2.3 billion includes more than $1.4 billion in education-related spending by students, combined with KSU’s personnel and operating expenses. In addition, more than $892 million was calculated as spending by the institution, employees and students in the community, such as at restaurants and retail stores.
“Kennesaw State has long been a key contributor to the economic prosperity of our region and the state of Georgia,” said KSU President Kathy S. Schwaig. “As we expand our reach and serve more students, families, and communities, we remain committed to growing KSU’s impact and proudly embrace our role as a vital economic driver across the state.”
Serving more than 47,000 students, Kennesaw State’s collective employment impact in FY 2024 was 16,621 full- and part-time jobs – including 4,373 jobs on campus and 12,248 jobs off campus in either the private or public sectors. The study found that, for each job created by KSU on its campus, another 2.8 jobs were created in the local community.
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.
“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.”
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 impact 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.
Read the full USG economic impact report here and the companion study on earnings here.
– Photo by Judith Pishnery
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A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to its more than 47,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties, and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 8 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.