The University of Colorado (CU) system reported an economic impact of $12.2 billion across the state for the 2024-25 fiscal year, according to a study released by the Business Research Division at CU Boulder’s Leeds School of Business. This marks an increase of more than $500 million compared to the previous year.
The report details that CU Anschutz in Aurora contributed the largest share with $5.7 billion, followed by CU Boulder at $5 billion. CU Denver and UCCS accounted for $665 million and $567 million respectively, while system administration added another $245 million.
When including the economic contributions from UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital and Children’s Hospital Colorado—both based on the Anschutz campus—the total impact rises to $20 billion.
“The University of Colorado plays a vital role in shaping our state’s future,” said CU President Todd Saliman. “Every day, our campuses and partners contribute to Colorado’s prosperity through education, research, innovation and health care. This report highlights the real impact CU has on people’s lives and the real and economic health of communities across the state.”
This year’s figures represent a 5.2% increase over last year’s total of $11.6 billion. Factoring in hospital contributions, there was a 3.6% rise from $19.3 billion to $20 billion.
During this period, CU operated with revenues totaling $6.6 billion and operating expenditures amounting to $5.8 billion. Key sources included sponsored research—which generated $1.7 billion—alongside tuition, fees, and health services.
The study also notes that employee earnings—including student workers—as well as spending related to operations, construction, research activities, students and visitors were part of the overall calculation; however, impacts from alumni activities or events such as athletics were not included.
In terms of employment, CU directly provided jobs for 51,848 individuals during this timeframe with combined salaries and benefits reaching $4.3 billion—making it Colorado’s third-largest public employer.
Beyond employment numbers, CU supports local economies by purchasing goods from area vendors, attracting investment capital into Colorado communities, providing workforce education opportunities and facilitating technology transfer through university-based research initiatives totaling about $5.6 billion out of its full economic impact figure.
Regionally within Colorado, CU had its highest effect in the Denver Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), which saw an estimated benefit of $7.1 billion spread across multiple counties including Denver itself as well as Arapahoe and Jefferson counties among others; Boulder MSA followed with a contribution valued at approximately $4.2 billion; while Colorado Springs MSA recorded around $600 million.
The university continues its support for entrepreneurship via programs like Venture Partners at CU Boulder and CU Innovations at Anschutz—efforts that helped launch more than 35 startups last year along with finalizing over 90 licensing agreements aimed at translating academic discoveries into commercial ventures.
CU currently enrolls roughly 68,000 students annually with nearly 19,000 graduates entering or rejoining Colorado’s workforce each year—a factor noted as strengthening regional skill levels throughout various sectors statewide.
“Our graduates, researchers and employees are the backbone of this state’s economy,” Saliman said. “Their expertise and innovation are what power Colorado’s progress and resilience.”
