Fresno State helps contribute to the billions of dollars in annual economic activity and tax revenue statewide – fueling regional impact.

The 22-campus California State University system released its Economic Impact Report on Nov. 18, highlighting the significant role the CSU and Fresno State play in driving regional economic vitality, strengthening California’s key industries and preparing a skilled workforce essential to California’s economy.

“The CSU and Fresno State continue to be one of the state’s most powerful engines of economic mobility, opportunity and innovation as its influence extends across industries, communities and generations, especially here in the Central Valley,” said Fresno State President Saul Jimenez-Sandoval. “This report shines a light on our collective impact and the powerful role the CSU system plays to keep California’s economy strong and thriving in every corner of the state.”

The report, “Moving California Forward: The Economic Power of the CSU,” highlights the lasting return on investment for the people of California:

• Economic return: For every dollar the state invested in the CSU, $7.69 was generated in statewide industry activity, increasing to $35.53 when including alumni earnings across California.
• Regional reach: As part of the Central Valley, Fresno State helped generate a substantial economic impact across the area, supporting a total of 14,000 jobs and an overall impact of $1.5 billion in industry activity, underscoring the campus’s vital role in the regional economic vitality.
• Statewide impact: The CSU supported a total of 210,800 jobs across California with an overall statewide impact of $31.6 billion. Fresno State’s $1.5 billion contribution reflects nearly 5% of the systemwide total.
• Workforce 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 engineering, nursing, agriculture, teaching and law enforcement in the Central Valley, ensuring students are trained for in-demand jobs in their communities, supporting local economies.
• Research impact: CSU research initiatives address some of California’s most pressing challenges, from detecting virus infections in grapevines to comparing approaches for enhanced prenatal care, while delivering globally cited science.

Consulting firm ICF, in partnership with the Chancellor’s Office and university colleagues across the CSU, conducted the analysis for the report. This report builds upon regional economic impact research conducted last year, which showed Fresno State contributes nearly $1 billion to the Valley economy.To learn more about the CSU Economic Impact Report and Fresno State’s impact, visit calstate.edu/impact.