CSU Economic Impact Report Highlights CSUSM's Vital Role
The California State University system released its economic impact report today, highlighting the significant role that the CSU and Cal State San Marcos play in driving regional economic vitality, strengthening key industries and preparing a skilled workforce essential to the economy.
“The CSU and Cal State San Marcos continue to be among the state’s most powerful engines of economic mobility, opportunity and innovation as their influence extends across industries, communities and generations – especially here in the San Diego region,” CSUSM President Ellen Neufeldt said. “This report shines a light on our collective impact and the powerful role we play to keep our economy strong and thriving in every corner of the state.”
“An investment in the CSU is an investment in California,” said Assemblymember Darshana Patel, whose 76th district includes CSUSM. “That’s why it is imperative that we continue to fund public education to ensure that our state remains one of the top economies in the world.”
The report, “Moving California Forward: The Economic Power of the CSU,” highlights the lasting return on investment for the people of California at every level, and CSUSM specifically:
- Economic return: For every dollar the state invested in CSUSM, $18.50 was generated in statewide industry activity. The figure rises to $64.62 when including alumni earnings.
- Statewide impact: CSUSM-related activity supported 7,900 jobs annually across California and contributed $361.5 million in wages earned. The university’s overall statewide impact reached $923.6 million in industry activity and $69.2 million in state and local tax revenue.
- Regional reach: As part of the San Diego region, CSUSM helped generate a substantial economic impact – supporting 7,600 jobs annually and contributing $342.8 million in wages earned. The total regional impact was $861.5 million in industry activity and $65.4 million in state and local tax revenue, underscoring the campus’s vital role in regional economic vitality.
- Workforce power: Nearly half of all bachelor’s degrees in California are awarded by the CSU. At CSUSM, students are prepared for in-demand careers in health care, education, business, biotechnology and public service – fields that power the region and state.
- Research impact: Despite recent funding challenges, CSUSM’s research initiatives continue to address urgent challenges – from health disparities and environmental sustainability to STEM innovation and social mobility – while contributing to globally significant science and scholarship.
Learn more about the economic impact report and CSUSM's impact at https://www.calstate.edu/impact. Download the one-page summary of CSUSM’s economic impact here.
Media Contact
Brian Hiro, Communications Specialist
bhiro@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7306