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 we must 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 in statewide industry activity was generated. The figure rises to $64.62 when alumni earnings are included.
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 substantial economic impact, supporting 7,600 jobs annually and contributing $342.8 million in wages. 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.
About Cal State San Marcos
Building on a more than 36-year history, California State University San Marcos is a forward-focused institution, dedicated to student success fueled by innovation, education and community partnerships. Located on a 306-acre hillside overlooking the City of San Marcos, it is the only public four-year comprehensive university serving North San Diego, Southwest Riverside and South Orange counties. The university enrolls 17,000 students. CSUSM ranks No. 1 in the country for advancing social mobility as measured by CollegeNET’s index, which gauges how well universities graduate students into well-paying careers and leadership opportunities to improve their social and economic situations compared with previous generations. CSUSM is proud to be a national leader in improving the life trajectories of underrepresented students.
