A new economic study reveals the University of Colorado system generated $12.2 billion in economic impact across the state last year. This is an increase of more than half a billion dollars from 2024.
The report says most of that impact about $7.1 billion dollars, is right in the Denver metro area.
Campus by campus, CU Anschutz led the system with $5.7 billion in economic impact. That means it generated the most for nearby businesses.
CU Boulder followed with $5 billion, while CU Denver and UCCS contributed $667 million and $567 million.
Vibe Coffee & Wine is one of the businesses near CU Denver and staff say students play a major role in keeping their business steady.
“I think students play a significant role for small businesses. I think there's also for this generation that's coming up, they're a lot more focused on the quality, and they're willing to pay more for something that is created with care,” said Liza Giles, Vibe Coffee & Wine, brand operations.
Staff say student foot traffic drops during spring, winter, and summer breaks though, tourists make up for that loss, especially during the summer months.
For more information on the economic report, click here.
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