A comprehensive economic impact report commissioned by the California State University (CSU) Chancellor’s Office reveals that San Diego State University (SDSU) contributes $9.65 billion in total industry activity, driven by both institutional operations and alumni outcomes. The analysis identifies SDSU as the top-performing campus within the CSU system in terms of employment support and tax revenue generation, sustaining approximately 26,000 jobs statewide and producing $239.8 million in combined local and state tax receipts. n nFor every dollar allocated by the state to SDSU, the broader economy sees $12.66 in return through direct, indirect, and induced economic effects. When factoring in the enhanced lifetime earnings of graduates, this figure rises to $38.28 in economic output per dollar invested—ranking among the highest returns across public universities in California. n nPresident Adela de la Torre emphasized that the findings highlight the institution’s role as a high-value public investment. She noted that each educational dollar spent yields widespread benefits, including expanded opportunity, innovation, and strengthened civic engagement. n nThe assessment evaluated multiple dimensions, including workforce contributions, student achievement, and societal benefits from research. Key findings show that SDSU alumni earn, on average, $505,286 more over their careers than individuals with only a high school diploma. The university’s return on investment stands at 26.7% annually, surpassing the 30-year average return of the U.S. stock market. Graduates recoup their educational costs, including forgone income during study, within six years of entering the workforce. n nOver the past three years, faculty and researchers at SDSU secured over $620 million in external grants and contracts. Additionally, alumni collectively generate $5.3 billion in additional income due to their degrees, which supports 31,300 jobs, $6.6 billion in economic output, and $519 million in tax revenues across California. n nWith over 500,000 living alumni—most residing in the San Diego and Imperial Valley regions—SDSU continues to supply skilled professionals across education, healthcare, engineering, business, and public service sectors. The university has expanded academic offerings to meet evolving labor demands, launching programs such as a Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence and Human Responsibility—the first in the CSU network—and new nursing degrees. Collaborations with institutions like the San Diego Unified School District and Kumeyaay Community College have also deepened. n nCareer Services has significantly broadened employer engagement, establishing around 10,000 new industry partnerships in one year and doubling recruitment events. The university now maintains over 60,000 professional connections, enhancing student access to experiential learning; about 87% of students gain work experience before graduation. n nDaniel Newell, executive director of Career Services, stated that the data confirms the enduring value of an SDSU education, not only for individuals but for regional prosperity and social advancement. n nIt is important to note that this CSU-wide study uses a standardized model that excludes certain elements included in SDSU’s prior 2017 independent analysis, such as event-driven spending from venues like Viejas Arena and Snapdragon Stadium, as well as broader alumni-related economic ripple effects. That earlier study estimated a $5.67 billion contribution to the San Diego regional economy using a more expansive methodology. SDSU plans to commission a new comprehensive evaluation by 2026 to assess its full statewide economic footprint, with preliminary estimates suggesting a potential impact nearing $10 billion when all factors are considered.
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San Diego State University’s Enduring Economic Impact
A new economic impact analysis from the California State University system underscores San Diego State University’s far-reaching return on investment and role in advancing opportunity and driving economic growth throughout California ― with a total of $9.65 billion in industry activity driven by both the university and its alumni. n nThe CSU’s newly released Economic Impact Report, commissioned by the CSU Chancellor’s Office, places SDSU as the system’s top performer for the estimated number of jobs supported and the amount of tax revenue generated to support the region and state. Statewide, the report shows that SDSU supports 26,000 jobs statewide and generates $239.8 million in local and state tax revenue. n nThe report, based on a standardized systemwide model to measure operational, capital and student-spending impacts across each of the CSU’s 22 campuses, also shows that for every dollar the state invests in SDSU, $12.66 in economic activity is generated across California. When factored in the increased earnings of SDSU alumni, that impact grows dramatically, reaching $38.28 in statewide industry activity for every dollar invested ― one of the highest of all California universities. n n“This study reaffirms that SDSU is an extraordinary investment, for students, taxpayers and the state,” said SDSU President Adela de la Torre. n n“With every dollar fueling both opportunity and economic growth, we are demonstrating that our institution delivers lasting returns,” de la Torre said. “We are proud to stand among a select group of institutions that deliver exceptional educational value, drive innovation and strengthen the economic and civic fabric of our communities.” n nTop performer in the CSU n nThe study evaluated several metrics to assess two factors: each university’s contributions and spending and the resulting benefits for students, alumni and the wider community. Those metrics included: n nEconomic and industry impacts: total jobs supported, employee wages and salaries and tax revenues generated by university activities. n nStudent and alumni success: enrollment, degree completion and post-graduation earnings. n nSocietal impacts: outcomes and benefits associated with university research. n nThroughout the CSU system, SDSU either ranks No. 1 or is a top producer in several areas, including the following: n nThe average graduate earns $505,286 more in present-value career earnings than peers without a bachelor’s degree. n nThe annual rate of return, at 26.7%, exceeded the U.S. stock market’s 30-year average of 10.1%. n nGraduates recover their total educational investment, including opportunity costs, within six years of graduation. n nSDSU researchers successfully secured more than $620 million in external funding over the last three years. n nSDSU alumni also had significantly higher median incomes attributed to their degree, totaling $5.3 billion. That income contributes directly to 31,300 jobs, $6.6 billion in industry activities and $519 million in state and local tax revenues throughout California, according to the report. n nStudent success equals alumni success n nToday, the more than 500,000 living alumni ― most of whom remain in the San Diego and Imperial Valley regions ― are powering industries in education, health care, business, engineering and public service. n n“An SDSU degree doesn’t just open doors for individual graduates, it ensures our communities continue to have the professionals they rely on every day to thrive,” said Daniel Newell, SDSU’s executive director of Career Services. n nSDSU continues to expand degree programs and partnerships that meet regional and national workforce needs. Recent initiatives include new nursing degrees, a Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence and Human Responsibility – the first of its kind in the CSU system – and expanded collaboration with local institutions such as the San Diego Unified School District and Kumeyaay Community College. Also, about 87% of students participate in work experience before graduation. n nAt SDSU’s Career Services, the team has deepened connections across sectors through its Industry Engagement strategy, which in just one year led to about 10,000 new employer partnerships and a 200% increase in recruiting events. The university now maintains more than 60,000 industry relationships. n n“For SDSU students, this reality underscores the lasting value of their degree. Our graduates are entering fields where their skills are indispensable,” Newell said. “Ultimately, the new report clearly demonstrates that the university is fueling not only economic development, but also social mobility, and that our graduates are needed more than ever.” n nAdditional evaluation forthcoming n nAs an important distinction, the CSU-commissioned report differs in approach and methodology from SDSU’s prior 2017 independent economic impact study, which estimated the university contributed $5.67 billion to the San Diego regional economy. The CSU commissioned report omits most alumni industry activity, as well as some research and most venue based impacts (e.g. events and spending generated by SDSU’s Viejas Arena and Snapdragon Stadium are not captured in the report). n nThe earlier analysis released in 2017 used a broader methodology, incorporating direct, indirect and induced impacts, venue related impacts and local supplier spending and alumni wage expenditures within the region. n nSDSU plans to commission a new, independent study as early as 2026 to assess its total statewide economic impact across all measures. While the CSU study indicates the university’s economic impact in the form of industry activity amounts to about $6.3 billion statewide, early projections suggest that SDSU’s comprehensive contribution could approach $10 billion when all direct and alumni impacts are captured.