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South Carolina State Announces Economic Impact

ORANGEBURG, S.C. ¬ South Carolina State University (SCSU) is pleased to announce the results of an economic impact study undertaken after the conclusion of the University's 2004-2005 fiscal year. The study showed that SCSU makes a significant economic impact on the state of South Carolina and Orangeburg, South Carolina.

"The operations of the University alone had an economic impact of $181.5 million on the state of South Carolina. Household income across the state was impacted to the tune of $67.2 million. The monies generated from our operations support 1,335 jobs in South Carolina and are estimated to generate $4.9 million in state-level taxes each year. Clearly, the University is having a significant economic impact on the state," said Dr. Andrew Hugine, Jr., president of SCSU.

The Division of Research at the USC Moore School of Business conducted the study for SCSU. Their research focused on the economic impacts of the following specific activities of SCSU: spending associated with University operations; construction projects for the fiscal year 2005 and future projects; spending of SCSU students in the local economy; visitor spending associated with events on the SCSU campus.

These combined factors were used to calculate the economic impact of the University on the Orangeburg economy. The results were as follows:

A total impact on local economic activity of $152.5 million. This represents the level of sales at local businesses that can be attributed to the presence of SCSU in Orangeburg.

A total impact on local household income of $69.5 million. This represents the portion of Orangeburg area household income that can be traced to the activities of SCSU.

A total of 1,558 jobs supported in the Orangeburg area. These include jobs directly at the University as well as jobs spread throughout every sector of the local economy.

Total local sales tax collections of $500,000 annually ¬ representing a substantial portion of total local sales taxes collected in Orangeburg County.

Dr. Hugine stated, "The numbers the study revealed indicated to us that SCSU is an economic engine for South Carolina and Orangeburg. But, we want to do more."

In a speech announcing the study's results, Hugine reaffirmed the University's commitment to be a resource to all persons and groups active in the state economy.

"We are in tune with the discussions throughout South Carolina that public universities are called to make tangible economic contributions to their state and community. The resources of this University belong to all South Carolinians. We want all citizens of South Carolina involved in business, entrepreneurship and economic development to know we are ready to assist them however we can," stated Hugine.