Macon State had an economic impact of more than $157 million on the Central Georgia economy in fiscal 2011 and accounted for about 1,700 jobs due to on- and off-campus spending, according to a study released today by the University System of Georgia.

The study concluded that about $126 million of Macon State’s total economic impact came from initial spending on salaries and fringe benefits, operating expenses and other budgeted expenditures, as well as spending by the students who attended the college in fiscal 2011.

Researchers found that, on average, for every dollar of initial spending by a USG institution in its host community an additional 39 cents was generated for the local economy. The multiplier effect of those dollars as they were re-spent accounted for the rest of Macon State’s $157 million in economic impact.

The counties studied to determine Macon State’s economic impact were Bibb, Houston, Jones, Monroe, Peach, Crawford, Twiggs, Baldwin, Wilkinson and Laurens.

The combined economic impact of the University System’s 35 institutions was $13.2 billion in fiscal 2011, an increase of 5 percent over the year before.

To see the economic impact report in its entirety, go to http://www.usg.edu/economic_development/documents/PS-USGImpact2011.pdf.

To see the University System’s press release, go to
http://www.usg.edu/news/release/economic_impact_of_university_system_reaches_13.2_billion.

Founded in 1968, Macon State College has grown from a small junior college to a four-year residential institution offering 18 bachelor's degrees. Macon State has campuses in Macon and Warner Robins and runs the Robins Resident Center on Robins Air Force Base. In January 2013, Macon State will consolidate with Middle Georgia College, which has campuses in Cochran, Eastman and Dublin.

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