A recent report titled *Moving California Forward: The Economic Power of the CSU* underscores the significant economic contributions of Cal Poly Humboldt, particularly within the North Coast region. Interim President Michael Spagna emphasized the university’s vital function in advancing economic mobility, workforce development, and innovation across California.
The analysis reveals that for every dollar the state invests in the California State University (CSU) system, $7.69 in statewide industry activity is generated—rising to $35.53 when alumni earnings are factored in. Specifically, each state dollar invested in Cal Poly Humboldt yields $7.49 in economic output, increasing to $21.04 with alumni income included.
Statewide, the CSU supports 210,800 jobs and contributes $31.6 billion to the economy. Regionally, Cal Poly Humboldt plays a pivotal role by sustaining 6,600 jobs and generating $717.8 million in industry activity, reinforcing its importance to local economic health.
Nearly half of all bachelor’s degrees awarded in California come from CSU institutions, with programs aligned to workforce demands in fields such as healthcare, technology, and environmental sciences. This alignment ensures graduates are prepared for high-demand roles in their communities.
Research initiatives at CSU campuses address pressing state challenges, including renewable energy, seismic safety, and climate resilience. These efforts produce scientifically impactful work recognized globally.
As Northern California’s first polytechnic university, Cal Poly Humboldt emphasizes hands-on learning and applied research in sustainability, natural resources, and climate adaptation. It offers programs through three academic colleges: Natural Resources & Sciences, Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences, and Professional Studies.
The CSU system, comprising 22 campuses, serves over 450,000 students, many from underrepresented or first-generation backgrounds. It ranks highly in national social mobility indices and produces approximately 125,000 career-ready graduates annually—representing one in every 20 U.S. college degree holders.
— news from Humboldt NOW
— News Original —
Cal Poly Humboldt Contributes Billions to California’s Economy and Tax Revenue
“The CSU is one of the state’s most powerful engines of economic mobility, opportunity, and innovation—and Cal Poly Humboldt plays a vital role in that impact here on the North Coast,” said Interim President Michael Spagna. “This report highlights the collective contribution the CSU campuses have in keeping California’s economy strong and thriving across every region of the state.” n nThe report, Moving California Forward: The Economic Power of the CSU, highlights the lasting return on investment for the people of California at every level: n nEconomic Return: For every dollar the state invested in the CSU, $7.69 in statewide industry activity was generated, increasing to $35.53 when alumni earnings across California are included. n nMeanwhile, for every dollar the state invested in Cal Poly Humboldt, $7.49 in statewide industry activity was generated, increasing to $21.04 when alumni earnings are included. n nStatewide Impact: The CSU supported 210,800 jobs across California, generating an overall impact of $31.6 billion. n nRegional Reach: As part of the North Coast region, Cal Poly Humboldt helped generate substantial economic impact across the area, supporting 6,600 jobs and $717.8 million in industry activity, underscoring the campus’s vital role in regional economic vitality. n nWorkforce Power: Nearly half of all bachelor’s degrees in California are awarded by the CSU in disciplines directly tied to California’s evolving workforce needs, such as healthcare in the North Coast, ensuring students are trained for in-demand jobs in their communities, and supporting local economies. n nResearch Impact: CSU research initiatives tackle some of California’s most urgent challenges, from renewable energy to seismic technology, while delivering globally cited science. n nLearn more about our Economic Impact Report and Cal Poly Humboldt’s impact at humboldt.edu/about/impact n nAbout Cal Poly Humboldt n nCal Poly Humboldt is Northern California’s first polytechnic university and one of three polytechnic universities in the California State University system. Dedicated to hands-on learning, applied research, and social and environmental stewardship, the University’s unique environment serves as a living laboratory for innovation in sustainability, climate resiliency, renewable energy, natural resources, and more. The University offers undergraduate and graduate degrees across three colleges: Natural Resources & Sciences, Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences, and Professional Studies. n nAbout the California State University n nThe California State University is the nation’s largest four-year public university system, providing transformational opportunities for upward mobility to more than 450,000 students from all socioeconomic backgrounds. More than half of CSU students are from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds and more than one-quarter of undergraduates are first-generation college students. Because the CSU’s 22 universities* provide a high-quality education at an incredible value, they are rated among the best in the nation for promoting social mobility in national college rankings from U.S. News & World Report, the Wall Street Journal and Washington Monthly. The CSU powers California and the nation, sending nearly 125,000 career-ready graduates into the workforce each year. In fact, one in every 20 Americans holding a college degree earned it at the CSU. Connect with and learn more about the CSU in the CSU newsroom. u200b n n* Transition to 22 universities in progress (Cal Poly and Cal Maritime integrating). The integration process is anticipated to be complete by fall 2026.