Economic and Social Impact Report
Our Impact, Amplified
SJSU makes invaluable economic, fiscal and social contributions to the City of San José, the Silicon Valley, the Bay Area and beyond.
Key Findings
Economic and Social Impact Report
Discover how SJSU delivers tremendous, broad-ranging value to our local region and throughout California (2018-2019 fiscal year).
Exploring SJSU’s Economic and Social Impact
Economic Impact
Labor, Tax Revenue and Earnings
SJSU-related spending contributes roughly $4.1 billion to California’s economy and includes construction, capital improvements, salaries and other operating costs — and student, visitor and alumni spending.
$1.6 Billion in Labor Income
SJSU generates $1.6 billion in labor income in California, almost half in Santa Clara County alone.
$606.9 Million in Tax Revenue
SJSU-related spending creates a great deal of tax revenue that benefits local, state and federal governments — $606.9 million was generated in 2018-19.
$2.5 Billion More
Attending SJSU increases an individual’s future earnings; SJSU alumni earn $2.5 billion more than individuals holding an associate degree or higher in California.
Social Impact
Investment in Research
SJSU is among the top 200 universities in the country in terms of research spending, which totaled $58.4 million in 2018-19.
Leading Wildfire Research
SJSU’s Wildfire Interdisciplinary Research Center (WIRC) is the nation’s largest wildfire research center and the leading institution for wildfire research and management in California.
50% Less Debt
On average, SJSU undergraduates graduate with only $15,720 in student debt, which is less than half the average debt of California college graduates.
Impacting the Community
SJSU students and faculty join local residents to impact underserved communities through CommUniverCity, a unique outreach program with a value of service of $8.4 million since 2005.
