A new economic impact report highlights the significant role the CSU and California State University, Bakersfield play in driving regional economic vitality, strengthening California’s key industries and preparing a skilled workforce essential to California’s economy.
As part of the San Joaquin Valley region, CSUB helped generate a total of 5,400 jobs and overall impact of $491.4 million in industry activity, underscoring the university’s vital role as a driver of prosperity for Kern County families.
“The CSU and CSUB are the most powerful generator of jobs and economic resilience in the heart of California,” said President Vernon B. Harper Jr. “Most of our Roadrunners stay right here in Kern County, starting families, building regional prosperity and leading every sector, from education to healthcare to the sciences and beyond. When we invest in our students, we nurture the vision and talents of tomorrow’s leaders, and we are repaid for that investment not in years, but in generations.”
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. CSUB exceeded the CSU's average return on investment, delivering $15.24 dollars of statewide industry activity for every dollar the state invested in CSUB.
Regional reach: As part of the San Joaquin Valley, CSUB helped generate a substantial economic impact across the area, supporting a total of 5,400 jobs and an overall impact of $491.4 million 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. CSUB’s portion of that total is $584 million, with state and local tax revenue of $45.9 million.
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 energy, engineering, nursing, agriculture, teaching and law enforcement in the San Joaquin 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 carbon management, to pollution along the Kern River, to agribusiness, 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.
To learn more about the CSU Economic Impact Report and CSUB’s impact, visit calstate.edu/impact.
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