Cal State Channel Islands (CSUCI) plays a pivotal role in advancing economic development across Ventura County, the Central Coast, and the state of California. As part of the California State University (CSU) system—the largest four-year public university network in the U.S.—CSUCI contributes meaningfully to workforce development and regional prosperity, according to the recently published CSU Economic Impact Report. n nThe university’s influence extends beyond education, directly fueling job creation and industry growth. In its region, CSUCI supported 4,500 jobs and generated $446 million in economic activity, demonstrating its importance as an engine of local development. Its academic programs align closely with regional employment needs, preparing students for careers in agriculture, biotechnology, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and defense-related sectors linked to Naval Base Ventura County. n nGraduates are making a measurable difference: CSUCI alumni earn a collective $573.6 million in additional income due to their degrees, contributing to 3,400 jobs statewide, $245 million in wages, $722.3 million in economic output, and $56.4 million in state and local tax revenue. Many of these graduates are first-generation college attendees, now serving as professionals and leaders in their communities. n nStatewide, the CSU system supports 210,800 jobs and generates $31.6 billion in economic impact. Within this framework, CSUCI alone contributed $505.8 million in industry activity and $36.6 million in tax receipts. For every dollar invested in the campus, $4.51 is returned in statewide economic output; when alumni earnings are factored in, that figure rises to $10.96. n nThis data illustrates how public higher education strengthens both individual opportunity and broader economic resilience. CSUCI combines rigorous academics with student support and community partnerships, ensuring graduates are equipped for meaningful employment. Their success translates into stronger local economies and a more skilled workforce—critical assets for California, ranked as the world’s fifth-largest economy. n nWith 22 campuses and over 4.3 million alumni, the CSU system continues to drive progress across industries and regions. The findings affirm that investing in institutions like CSUCI yields long-term returns in economic vitality and social mobility. n— news from Ventura County Star
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CSUCI contributes millions in statewide economic activity, tax revenue
Cal State Channel Islands (CSUCI) is a powerful driver of opportunity and economic vitality for Ventura County, the Central Coast, and California. n nAs a campus part of the nation’s largest and most diverse four-year public university system, the California State University (CSU) is key to California’s prosperity, vitality, and future. The CSU system recently released its Economic Impact Report, underscoring the robust return on investment that public higher education delivers for California and its residents. n nEconomic impact is not abstract. It reflects strong academic programs, meaningful career pathways, and a university that is deeply connected to the needs of its region and state. And at every level, we see the impact the CSU and CSUCI are having locally, regionally, and across California: n nRegional reach: As part of the Central Coast, CSUCI helped generate a substantial economic expansion supporting a total of 4,500 jobs and an overall investment of $446 million in industry activity, underscoring the campus’ 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. Within Ventura County, local industries such as agriculture, biotechnology, healthcare, manufacturing, advanced technologies, and proximity to Naval Base Ventura County, CSUCI students are trained for in-demand jobs that allow them to live, work, and contribute to their home communities. n nAlumni impact: CSUCI alumni had higher median income attributed to their CSU degrees, totaling $573.6 million, which supported statewide gains of 3,400 jobs, $245 million in wages earned, $722.3 million in industry activity, and $56.4 million in state and local tax revenue. These outcomes reflect thousands of CSUCI graduates, many of whom are the first in their families to earn a degree, now working as industry leaders across California. n nStatewide impact: The CSU supported a total of 210,800 jobs across California with an overall statewide impact of $31.6 billion. Within this systemwide success, CSUCI contributed $505.8 million in industry activity and $36.6 million in state and local tax revenue. n nThese findings underscore how deeply CSUCI is embedded in the economic and social fabric of Ventura County and the Central Coast. Our graduates do not just earn degrees; they launch careers, strengthen industries, and create real-world transformation. The impact reflected in this report is a powerful affirmation of our vision: to be a place where academic excellence meets opportunity, fueling economic and social mobility, and strengthening the communities we serve. n nThis is exactly why higher education matters. It not only spurs others to follow in the footsteps of those who came before but CSU graduates fuel California’s growth as the world’s fifth largest economy and will continue to do so if we invest in them. n nAt CSUCI, the return on investment is clear and compelling. For every dollar invested in our campus, $4.51 in statewide industry activity is generated. When the impact of alumni earnings is included, that return grows to $10.96 in statewide industry activity. n nBut what does that really mean? Every dollar invested in CSUCI is an investment in California’s workforce development and economic resilience. n nBeyond the dollars, we are talking about an investment in the lives we transform and the communities we strengthen. n nNow more than ever, California’s investment in a diverse and highly skilled workforce matters. From budget deficits to nationwide economic uncertainty, the one constant is the resilience of Californians. The Golden State needs highly skilled professionals and knowledge workers to keep California’s economy strong and thriving. n nCSUCI has proven to be that place for students seeking opportunity and long-term value. Through high-quality academic programs paired with strong student support services, a deep sense of belonging, and strong regional partnerships, CSUCI prepares graduates for meaningful careers and strengthens the economic vitality of our communities, helping to shape the future of Ventura County, the Central Coast, and California. n nWith 22 universities and more than 4.3 million alumni, CSUCI and the CSU fuel California’s economy — region by region, industry by industry. To learn more about the CSU Economic Impact Report, Moving California Forward: The Economic Power of the CSU, and how the CSU and CSUCI are delivering for the people of California, visit www.csuci.edu/about/#econimpact2025. n nSusan A. Andrzejewski, Ph.D., is the Interim President of Cal State Channel Islands.