ATLANTA (AP) -- A new study shows the University System of
Georgia has a more than $12 billion impact on the state.

The study by the Selig Center for Economic Growth at the
University of Georgia released Thursday shows the growth of the
financial effect of the system's 35 campuses -- up from $7 billion
in 1999.

Most of that impact is from spending on salaries, benefits,
supplies and other items by the campuses, as well as spending by
students who attend the colleges. The rest of it -- about $4.3
billion -- is the multiplier effect of the initial dollars as they
are re-spent in the community.

The largest impact is from the University of Georgia, with $2.2
billion. In metro Atlanta, Georgia Tech, Georgia State University,
Kennesaw State University and five other institutions account for
$5.3 billion