Georgia Southern University Sets Record Summer Enrollment

July 29, 2010

While many college students around the country took the summer off to relax at home or to work at a summer job, a record number of Georgia Southern University students were taking classes. The University once again set a new record for summer enrollment with 9,950 students.

“Summer is an opportunity for me to take additional classes and I hope that it will enable me to graduate early and to get a head start on the job market,” said Emily Williams, a junior from Fayetteville, Ga. majoring in Public Relations with a minor in Spanish.” I took one class at the beginning of summer and am also currently taking a class in Spain that will count towards my minor in Spanish.”

Williams, like many Georgia Southern students, use the summer’s traditionally shorter sessions to not only take a class, but to also study abroad. “Most people go home and work a summer job and then come back in the fall. I’ve taken classes and have also traveled to Spain.”

The continued increase in summer enrollment is not only great for the University, but it also plays a major role in our local economy. According to a study by the University’s Bureau of Business Research and Economic Development (BBRED), students spent about $41 million on books and supplies, room and board, transportation and other expenses in the summer of 2010. Based upon economic multipliers, the econometric models project a total regional output (total goods and services produced) of $59.1 million for the local region.

The regional impact increased $1.5 million above the comparable period in 2009. According to the study, direct spending by students supported 621 jobs in direct employment and 796 total jobs based upon the modeling of indirect and induced jobs. A substantial portion of the total jobs are located in Bulloch County and Statesboro.

“Students see the advantages of staying and taking classes during the summer and that adds up to a positive economic impact for our community,” said Brooks Keel, Ph.D., president of Georgia Southern University. “This is particularly important for our local economy and as the community continues to recruit new businesses to the area.”

Georgia Southern University had an economic impact of more than $700 million during the 2008-09 fiscal year, according to a study released last year by BBRED. Georgia Southern University had a regional economic impact of more than $700 million during the 2008-09 fiscal year. This is the third straight year that Georgia Southern has generated more than $700 million. The annual economic impact study showed that the institution was responsible for more than 9,000 jobs and that Georgia Southern University students spent an estimated $192.7 million in the region, not including fees for tuition and on-campus housing.

Georgia Southern University, a Carnegie Doctoral/Research University, offers 114 degree programs serving more than 19,000 students. Through eight colleges, the University offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs built on more than a century of academic achievement. The University, one of Georgia’s largest, is a top choice of Georgia’s HOPE scholars and is recognized for its student-centered approach to education. Visitwww.georgiasouthern.edu.