Leading with Impact in the Central Valley and Beyond
Located in the heart of California’s Central Valley, Stanislaus State serves one of the most diverse and dynamic regions in the nation. As a federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution, Stanislaus State is committed to providing transformative educational opportunities — especially for first-generation students who bring rich cultural and community perspectives to the classroom.
Ranked No. 4 in the nation for social mobility (The Wall Street Journal, 2026), the University continues to help students graduate, thrive professionally and uplift their families and communities. Through regional partnerships, affordable degree programs and a student-centered approach, Stanislaus State advances equity and expands opportunity in higher education — an impact that reaches far beyond campus.
Every five years, the California State University system measures how its 22 campuses contribute to California’s economy. The 2025 CSU Economic Impact Report highlights Stanislaus State’s powerful role in fueling economic vitality, strengthening key industries and preparing the workforce that drives the fifth-largest economy in the world.
Our Impact at a Glance
Inputs
Stanislaus State’s operations, investments and student spending generate activity and opportunity throughout the Central Valley.
$227.4M
Operational Expenditures
$21.4M
Capital Expenditures
$10.1M
Auxiliary Costs
$180.3M
Student Spending
Regional Impact
In the San Joaquin Valley, Stanislaus State strengthens the local economy, supports thousands of jobs and expands access to higher education.
5,900
Jobs
$600.7M
Industry Activity
$235.4M
Wages Earned
$50.2M
State & Local Tax Revenue
State-Level Impact
Across California, the University’s influence extends well beyond the Valley.
6,200
Jobs
$686.9M
Industry Activity
$263.8M
Wages Earned
$54.9M
State & Local Tax Revenue
Return on Investment
During the 2023–2024 academic year, the state’s investment in Stanislaus State (operating and average capital appropriations) totaled $118.5 million.
For every dollar the state invests in the campus,
$5.80
in statewide Industry Activity is generated
When the impact of the enhanced alumni earnings is included,
$27.12
in statewide Industry Activity is generated
Stanislaus State continues to be a driving force for upward mobility and economic prosperity in the Central Valley and throughout California.
Alumni
Stanislaus State alumni had a higher median income attributed to their CSU degree, totaling $2 billion, which supported statewide impacts of:
12,000
Jobs
$2.5B
Industry Activity
$857.9M
Wages Earned
$197.5M
State & Local Tax Revenue
The true impact is seen in thousands of graduates shaping the future — as teachers, healthcare professionals, business leaders, artists, public servants and changemakers across the Central Valley and beyond.
Excellence & Opportunity
At Stanislaus State, excellence in academics meets accessibility in education. The University’s commitment to student success and regional advancement continues to earn national recognition.
A Reputation Built on Solid Performance
The Princeton Review consistently ranks Stanislaus State among the Best Colleges in the nation — a distinction earned by only 15 percent of U.S. institutions. In the Wall Street Journal 2026 Best Colleges rankings, Stanislaus State placed:
- No. 21 in the nation
- No. 4 for Social Mobility
- No. 6 among Top Public Schools
- No. 14 for Best Value
As the highest ranked California State University in the Central Valley to make the Top 50, Stanislaus State stands out for delivering high-quality education and exceptional outcomes.
Social Mobility and Preparation for the Future
Stanislaus State’s transformative impact continues to draw national recognition. The University climbed to No. 3 in the 2025 California Mobility Index, published by the College Futures Foundation and the HEA Group. U.S. News & World Report also named Stanislaus State one of the top three universities in the Western United States for social mobility, reinforcing its role in creating opportunity for students and their families.
At Stanislaus State, that opportunity extends beyond the classroom. Through partnerships with employers, community organizations and alumni, students gain career-ready preparation that connects learning to real-world impact. Graduates see strong returns on their investment, with higher earnings and quicker payback than many of their peers nationwide.
The CSU Economic Impact Report demonstrates how Stanislaus State and the other CSU campuses power California’s economy, build opportunity and strengthen communities.
Explore the CSU Economic Impact Report
Download Printer-Friendly Version of the Stan State Economic Report.PDF
Updated: November 18, 2025