Albany State reports $328M economic impact, tops USG growth rate

Albany State University says it generated nearly $328 million in economic impact in fiscal 2025, a 16.2% increase from the prior year and the largest percentage gain in the University System of Georgia. The report also shows higher jobs support, enrollment momentum and a growing graduate pipeline that the university says is strengthening Southwest Georgia’s economy.

Why it matters: - Albany State University’s fiscal 2025 impact estimate shows the school is becoming a larger economic engine for Southwest Georgia. - The increase also signals stronger student, staff and local business activity tied to the university. - The report ties higher education output to long-term earnings gains for graduates and the region.

What happened: - Albany State University generated an estimated $327,974,095 in economic impact during fiscal 2025. - The total was up 16.2% from fiscal 2024 and was the highest percentage increase in the University System of Georgia. - The university supported an estimated 2,826 jobs across Dougherty, Lee, Worth, Mitchell, Terrell, Sumter, Tift and Crisp counties. - That was up from 2,666 jobs in fiscal 2024, an increase of 160.

The details: - Operating expenditures drove most of the increase in economic impact. - Student spending and personnel-related activity also rose. - Initial spending increased to $282.9 million from $228.6 million. - Value added rose to $212.4 million from $189.5 million. - Labor income increased to $130.0 million from $120.5 million. - Albany State has posted steady enrollment growth since 2021, totaling 7.8%. - The university says retention has also improved as it focuses on helping students stay enrolled through graduation. - One-year retention has increased by nearly 12.8 percentage points since 2020. - Albany State expanded support programs including the Presidential Scholarship Program, University College, Summer Success Academy, Study Tables and the HBCU-UP STEM Academy. - The university added graduate programs in Trauma Psychology, Athletic Training and Integrated Biotechnology over the past three years. - Albany State also added a Juvenile Justice concentration to its Criminal Justice graduate program and launched eight graduate certificates in business and public administration. - The university conferred 1,439 degrees and certificates in fiscal 2025, up about 2.1%. - The report estimates FY 2025 graduates could generate about $4.04 billion in lifetime earnings, with $1.19 billion tied to educational attainment. - By degree level, projected Georgia work-life earnings and value added were listed as: master's degrees, 206 graduates, $721.9 million and $63.5 million; bachelor's degrees, 627 graduates, $2.00 billion and $891.6 million; associate degrees, 596 graduates, $1.29 billion and $231.5 million; certificates, 10 graduates, $20.8 million and $3.1 million. - The USG report says work-life earnings rise with each step up in postsecondary attainment.

Between the lines: - The 16.2% jump marks a sharper acceleration than Albany State’s prior two reporting cycles, when economic impact rose about 2.5% in fiscal 2023 and 6% in fiscal 2024. - Albany State’s strategy appears aimed at turning enrollment gains into completion, workforce output and regional spillover. - The creation of a Chief University Growth Officer role suggests the university is trying to coordinate enrollment, advancement, marketing, partnerships and external affairs under one growth plan. - The broader University System of Georgia reported a record $25.1 billion economic impact in fiscal 2025, up 8.9%. - The USG also said a college degree adds more than $1.4 million to the average graduate’s lifetime earnings.

What's next: - Albany State says it will keep expanding student success efforts, academic and workforce pathways, and regional partnerships as the 2026–2027 academic year begins. - The university is expected to continue building graduate enrollment and external collaboration under President Robert Scott. - Albany State’s broader growth strategy will likely remain focused on aligning internal units around enrollment, advancement and economic development.

The bottom line: - Albany State’s latest report shows a university that is growing faster, graduating more students and claiming a larger role in the regional economy.