SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 19, 2025 — San Francisco State University (SFSU) has emerged as a key contributor to both student advancement and regional economic growth, according to the latest findings from the California State University (CSU) system’s economic impact assessment. The comprehensive analysis evaluates the CSU network’s influence across California, emphasizing its role in shaping workforce development, industry engagement, and societal progress through its 23 campuses.
SFSU ranks among the state’s leading institutions in empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds to achieve professional success. Graduates of the university contribute significantly to the economy, with collective median earnings amounting to $4.2 billion and supporting over 25,000 jobs statewide. Recognized by MSN.com as one of the top 20 affordable colleges offering strong financial returns, SFSU also earned a 4.5 out of 5 rating in Money Magazine’s “Best Colleges 2025” list.
SFSU President Lynn Mahoney emphasized the broader value of public investment in higher education, stating that the institution generates 9,700 jobs at the state level, contributes $717.4 million in wages, and adds $101.7 million in tax revenue annually. “The study underscores how state support for the CSU translates into measurable benefits,” she noted. “Our university strengthens the Bay Area in multiple dimensions, especially through the lasting influence an SFSU education has on alumni and their communities.”
The university’s total contribution to regional industry activity reaches $1.5 billion. For every dollar invested by the state, the return exceeds $44 when factoring in increased earnings among former students. This multiplier effect highlights the long-term advantages of funding public universities.
The report spotlights SFSU’s Criminal Justice Studies Department as a model for integrating academic learning with community service. Students participate in internships with organizations offering legal assistance, reintegration programs, youth guidance, and support for survivors of domestic abuse. These collaborations enhance services for vulnerable groups such as formerly incarcerated individuals and at-risk youth. Additionally, the graduate program in biomedical science and biotechnology is recognized for its collaboration with local startups, enabling thesis research in areas like gene editing, biosensor development, and biomanufacturing.
As the most diverse four-year public university system in the U.S., the CSU plays a pivotal role in promoting economic mobility. During the 2023–2024 academic year, it sustained 210,800 jobs, generated $13.6 billion in labor income, and delivered a total economic impact of $31.6 billion across California.
Data from the 2023–2024 period was analyzed by ICF, a global consulting firm specializing in economic evaluations, to produce the findings. The full report, titled “Moving California Forward: The Economic Power of the CSU,” is available on the CSU website.
About San Francisco State University
Serving learners from the Bay Area, California, and beyond, San Francisco State University offers nationally recognized programs across numerous disciplines. With approximately 20,000 students enrolled annually and nearly 300,000 alumni, the institution has played a major role in shaping the economic, cultural, and civic life of San Francisco. Supported by more than 1,900 distinguished faculty members, SFSU continues to uphold its tradition of academic excellence, community involvement, and dedication to social equity.
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San Francisco State University shines in latest Cal State economic impact report
SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 19, 2025 — Reinforcing its reputation as a launchpad for student success and a vital driver of the Bay Area’s economy, San Francisco State University (SFSU) stands out in the latest economic impact report released by the California State University (CSU) system. The report analyzes the CSU’s contributions to California as a whole and at its 23 campuses statewide, through its transformative impact on students as well as the state’s economy, industry and society. n nSFSU is among California’s top universities helping students from all backgrounds turn education into meaningful and fulfilling careers. The report shows the degrees earned by SFSU alumni attributes to higher median incomes, totaling $4.2 billion, supporting statewide impacts of over 25,000 jobs. SFSU has also been named among the top 20 affordable colleges with high return on investment by MSN.com. The University received 4.5 out of 5 stars in Money Magazine’s “Best Colleges 2025” rankings. n n“The results of the CSU Economic Impact study demonstrate the incredible return on investment that the state receives for support of the CSU,” SFSU President Lynn Mahoney said. “San Francisco State alone generates 9,700 state-level jobs, $717.4 million in wages earned and $101.7 million in tax revenues demonstrating the value of state support for the CSU. We fuel the Bay Area in so many ways, most importantly through the meaningful impact that an SFSU education has on the lives of our alumni and their families.” n nThe University’s overall impact on the Bay Area region is $1.5 billion in industry activity. For every $1 the state of California invests in SFSU, the return on investment yields over $44 when the impact of enhanced alumni earnings is included. n nThe report cites SFSU’s Criminal Justice Studies Department as an example of a program bridging classrooms and communities. Students intern with organizations that provide legal aid, re-entry support, youth mentorship and victim advocacy, expanding the capacity to serve marginalized populations, including formerly incarcerated individuals, at-risk youth and survivors of domestic violence. The report also cites awards SFSU’s graduate program in biomedical science and biotechnology, leveraging partnerships with Bay Area startups for thesis projects in gene editing, biosensors and biomanufacturing. n nAs the nation’s most diverse and impactful four-year public university system, the CSU is among the state’s most powerful engines of economic mobility. During the 2023 – 2024 academic year, the CSU supported 210,800 jobs, contributing $13.6 billion in labor income across California, while delivering an overall statewide impact of $31.6 billion. n nThe study utilizes data from 2023 – 2024 and was conducted by global advisory and digital services provider ICF, an international consulting firm specializing in economic impact studies n nVisit the CSU website to view the full report, “Moving California Forward: The Economic Power of the CSU.” n nAbout San Francisco State University n nSan Francisco State University is a public university serving students from the San Francisco Bay Area, across California and around the world, with nationally acclaimed programs that span a broad range of disciplines. About 20,000 students enroll at the University each year, and its nearly 300,000 graduates have contributed to the economic, cultural and civic fabric of San Francisco and beyond. Through them — and more than 1,900 world-class faculty members — SFSU proudly embraces its legacy of academic excellence, community engagement and commitment to social justice.