CSU System Drives $1.233 Billion Impact on Colorado Economy

The Colorado State University System added $1.233 billion to the Colorado economy during the 2024 fiscal year – 5.8 times larger than the $211.6 million it received in state funding – according to the latest Systemwide economic impact report released today.

“This report clearly demonstrates the value of higher education as a positive, long-term investment – for individual students and the state of Colorado.”

— Tony Frank, CSU System Chancellor

Even during economic downturns, CSU’s universities continue to serve as stable economic engines, supporting regional and local economies while educating the next generation of Colorado leaders and serving communities across all 64 counties through CSU Extension.

A Statewide Impact

During the 2024 fiscal year, CSU Fort Collins, CSU Pueblo, and CSU Global collectively served more than 50,000 students. Sixty-eight percent of students at CSU’s physical campuses came from Colorado, while the remainder represented all 50 states and numerous countries.

“This diverse student body reflects CSU’s role as both a regional institution serving local communities and an internationally recognized research university attracting students from across the nation.”

CSU graduates continue to contribute to the state’s economy long after graduation. Since 1980, more than 194,000 students have graduated from CSU Fort Collins and 22,000 from CSU Pueblo, with a majority remaining in Colorado.

Long-Term Economic Value

CSU’s impact extends well beyond annual economic output. According to the study:

• CSU Fort Collins alumni earned an additional $3 billion over their lifetimes
• CSU Pueblo alumni earned an additional $389 million

“The CSU System represents far more than an educational institution. It’s also a significant driver of economic activity statewide.”

Innovation and Workforce Development

The report highlights CSU’s growing role in innovation, entrepreneurship, and workforce development across Colorado.

• 69 startup companies created through CSU STRATA since 1997
• 103 new inventions and 39 patents generated annually
• $3.6 million in annual licensing revenue
• 284 Extension employees serving all 64 Colorado counties

Regional Economic Contributions

CSU campuses continue to deliver strong localized economic impact:

• CSU Fort Collins: 12,800 jobs supported and $1.3 billion in value added in Larimer County
• CSU Pueblo: 610 jobs supported and $112 million in economic output
• CSU Global: 563 jobs supported and $88 million in economic output

The report, authored by CSU researchers Henry Williams, Rebecca Hill, and Tim Komarek, underscores CSU’s continued growth since the previous 2021 study and reinforces its role as a major driver of economic activity, innovation, and workforce development across Colorado.