CSULB fuels $2.4 billion in economic activity, new report shows

Cal State Long Beach is a big part of what makes its hometown – and California – work. The Beach generates an estimated $2.4 billion worth of economic activity while supporting some 16,800 jobs.

The enhanced earnings of CSULB alumni attributable to their Beach degree every year support 51,100 jobs and $10.6 billion in annual economic activity.

These are among the findings from “Moving California Forward: The Economic Impact of the CSU,” a new report showing how the 22-campus California State University propels students, alumni and entire communities toward prosperity. Consulting firm ICF completed the report in partnership with the CSU Chancellor’s Office and campuses.

In short, The Beach is a blue-chip investment for Californians. For every dollar that Sacramento invested in The Beach, the state benefited from about $8 in heightened economic activity. That figure jumps to more than $44 if alumni earnings are counted.

The Beach is well-known for helping students and alumni to realize their dreams. U.S. News and World Report accords CSULB the distinction of being the United States’ third-best university for promoting social mobility. CSULB’s strong student outcomes also figured in the Wall Street Journal ranking The Beach among the nation’s Top 50 colleges and universities, and Washington Monthly’s including the campus within its Top 10 “Best Colleges for Your Tuition (and Tax) Dollars.”