University of Colorado drives $12.2B state impact

DENVER — The University of Colorado system generated $12.2 billion in economic impact across the state last year, underscoring the university’s expanding influence on Colorado’s economy through education, research, innovation and health care, according to a new report from CU Boulder‘s Leeds School of Business.

The annual study from the Leeds Business Research Division analyzed the 2024–25 fiscal year, which ran from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025. The findings show an increase of more than $500 million from the previous year.

When factoring in CU’s two affiliate hospitals, University of Colorado Hospital and Children’s Hospital Colorado, both on the CU Anschutz campus, the total impact rose 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 economic health of communities across the state.”

CU Anschutz in Aurora led all campuses with $5.7 billion in economic impact, followed by CU Boulder at $5 billion. CU Denver generated $665 million, the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) contributed $567 million and CU System Administration added $245 million.

The report also found that CU generated $6.6 billion in revenue and $5.8 billion in expenses during the fiscal year. Sponsored research accounted for $1.7 billion, while total research expenditures represented $5.6 billion of the system’s overall economic impact.

CU directly employed 51,848 people during the period studied, with salaries, wages and benefits totaling $4.3 billion. The university is Colorado’s third-largest public employer.

Regionally, CU’s largest economic impact, $7.1 billion, came from the Denver Metropolitan Statistical Area, which includes Denver, Arapahoe, Jefferson, Adams, Douglas, Broomfield, Elbert, Park, Clear Creek and Gilpin counties. The Boulder area followed with $4.2 billion, while the Colorado Springs region contributed $600 million.

Beyond its financial reach, CU fosters innovation and entrepreneurship across the state. Venture Partners at CU Boulder and CU Innovations at CU Anschutz launched more than 35 startups and completed over 90 licensing agreements, turning academic research into new technologies and businesses.

CU’s 68,000 students and nearly 19,000 annual graduates continue to strengthen Colorado’s workforce. From classrooms and laboratories to hospitals and startups, the university’s impact extends across every sector of the state’s economy.

“Our graduates, researchers and employees are the backbone of this state’s economy,” Saliman said. “Their expertise and innovation power Colorado’s progress and resilience.”