Augusta University and AU Health System provided a $2.7 billion boost to the state economy in fiscal year 2020, according to a new report from the University System of Georgia. 

The USG’s annual economic report showed an overall impact of $18.6 billion, with 155,000 jobs directly or indirectly generated by the system. Augusta University and AU Health are responsible for more than 21,000 of those jobs.

“Despite the unprecedented challenges of this past year, Augusta University and AU Health continued to serve our students and patients in new and innovative ways,” said Augusta University President Brooks A. Keel, PhD. “The fall 2020 semester saw a 3.1% enrollment increase and we are excited to continuously welcome new faculty and staff to support that growth. 

“Additionally in 2020, AU Health was called upon by Gov. Brian Kemp to help expand statewide COVID-19 screening and testing. That required the hard work and sacrifice of many AU health care heroes, and we are so grateful for their dedication.” 

Augusta University saw a 5.6% improvement in total economic impact compared to FY2019, the biggest increase of the USG’s 26 institutions. 

Economic contributions and job creation from Augusta University and AU Health benefit areas throughout the state of Georgia. The AU/UGA Medical Partnership’s Athens Campus contributes $33.4 million to the economy and 267 jobs, while the Albany, Savannah and Rome clinical campuses give a $5.6 million economic boost, along with 44 jobs. 

“Augusta University and AU Health are proud to provide employment and economic growth not only in the Augusta region, but also throughout Georgia,” said Keel. “We are grateful for all our students, faculty and staff who help us fulfill our mission as the state’s sole public academic medical center.”

Graduates are also seeing benefits, with a new study showing a member of the Class of 2020 on average will earn an additional $852,162 over the course of their career as a result of their USG degree.

“With strong support from the state and significant planning from our campuses, USG’s economic impact on local communities across Georgia held steady despite a challenging year,” Acting Chancellor Teresa MacCartney said. “At the same time, a degree from a USG institution continues to add real value to the lives of our graduates and their families. We remain focused on doing everything in our power to help more Georgians complete college and ensure our state has a well-prepared, highly skilled workforce to grow Georgia’s economy.” 

View the full economic impact report and the lifetime earnings report.