MSU Denver's $954M Impact: A 36% Surge Fuels Colorado's Economy | The Locally Times
MSU Denver injects nearly $954 million into Colorado's economy annually, a 36% surge since 2019, directly employing 2,573 and supporting 4,660 additional jobs statewide.
This significant contribution directly employs 2,573 individuals and supports an additional 4,660 jobs across the state, according to a new economic impact report. This analysis, conducted by the Parker Strategy Group, assesses MSU Denver's contributions through its operations, capital projects, wages, and campus spending. ## MSU Denver's Growing Economic Engine MSU Denver's economic footprint has expanded dramatically, with its $953.8 million annual impact for fiscal years 2019-2023 representing a 36% growth that outpaced inflation during the same period. This impact, detailed in the university's economic report, stems from direct expenditures on operations, capital projects, and wages, alongside student and visitor spending, creating a ripple effect across Colorado. While the Parker Strategy Group's analysis, using IMPLAN modeling and regional data, calculated direct, indirect, and induced effects, the report does not itemize the $953.8 million distribution across specific sectors or geographic areas within Colorado. It also omits details on the types of jobs supported beyond the total count. ## Beyond Dollars: Community Impact and Alumni Reach MSU Denver's influence extends beyond direct financial figures, with its community actively enriching Colorado. Faculty, staff, and students contribute an estimated $3.1 million in charitable donations annually, according to the economic impact report. They also volunteer nearly 280,000 hours each year, valued at $8.4 million. This sustained engagement is further bolstered by 82,837 MSU Denver alumni who live and work across Colorado, embedding graduates deeply within the state's workforce and communities. ## Fueling Colorado's Future Workforce A key aspect of MSU Denver's economic contribution is its role as a key talent pipeline for Colorado's workforce. The university prioritizes accessibility, diversity, and affordability, strategically preparing graduates for critical job openings across the state. Its career-focused programs are designed to ensure graduates are job-ready, directly accelerating Colorado's economic health by filling essential roles. ## Local Impact and Unanswered Details For Denver residents, MSU Denver's nearly $954 million annual economic impact translates to thousands of supported jobs and a stronger local tax base, fueled by a skilled workforce for businesses. The university community further enriches the city through millions in charitable donations and volunteer hours. While the report details the $953.8 million figure stems from expenditures on operations, capital projects, wages, and campus spending, including student and visitor spending, it does not provide a specific breakdown of how this impact is distributed across different economic sectors or geographic regions within Colorado. The Parker Strategy Group conducted this economic contribution analysis, utilizing IMPLAN modeling and input-output analysis to assess the university's impact from 2020 to 2023.