Fort Valley State University Generates Nearly $193 Million in Economic Impact

by Aniya Warfield

Fort Valley State University (FVSU) continues to strengthen its role as an economic engine for Middle Georgia, generating $192,748,435 in economic impact during Fiscal Year 2025, a 7.4 percent increase over the $179,536,777 impact reported the previous year.

FVSU-related activities also supported 1,640 jobs, including 565 university positions and 1,075 jobs supported off campus through institution-related economic activity. Though the study covers Houston, Crawford, Bibb, Taylor and Macon counties, the university's impact extends well beyond these areas. FVSU's Cooperative Extension agents serve more than 30 counties across Georgia.

"Fort Valley State University's growing economic impact is a reflection of the momentum taking place across our institution," said President Paul Jones, Ph.D. "As enrollment continues to increase, more students are coming to FVSU, preparing for careers and contributing to the communities they call home."

The university's impact also extends beyond the economic activity generated while students are enrolled. According to a separate Selig Center study examining the work-life earnings of the University System of Georgia's Class of 2025, FVSU graduates who work in Georgia are expected to generate approximately $1.36 billion in combined work-life earnings. Of that amount, $539.3 million is attributed to the value of their FVSU degrees. The estimates are based on 420 degrees conferred by FVSU during FY2025.

FVSU's economic impact is part of a broader statewide contribution by the University System of Georgia (USG), which generated a record $25.1 billion for Georgia's economy in Fiscal Year 2025, an 8.9 percent increase from the previous year. A companion study also found that a USG degree adds more than $1.4 million to a graduate's lifetime earnings, highlighting the long-term economic value of the state's public universities.

The economic impact figures are part of the annual study commissioned by the University System of Georgia Board of Regents and conducted by the Selig Center for Economic Growth at the University of Georgia. The study measures the economic activity generated by USG institutions through personnel services, operating expenses and student spending.

As Fort Valley State University continues to invest in its operations, expand enrollment, increase its research activity and prepare students for careers throughout Georgia and beyond, its influence reaches well beyond the university campus. The latest economic impact figures underscore FVSU's continued role in supporting the economic vitality of Middle Georgia, creating long-term value through workforce development, research, innovation and the success of its graduates.

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