The California State University system, the largest in the United States, has an exceptionally large impact on the state’s economy.

With more than 400,000 students on its 23 campuses, the CSU system has a $53 billion annual influence on California, according to a report commissioned by the CSU chancellor’s office. The figure represents the collective economic effect of CSU expenditures annually, the enhanced earnings of its graduates and the indirect affect both have on the state.

For every dollar that is invested into the CSU system, $4.41 is returned, even before factoring in the increased earnings by graduates. CSU alumni and CSU expenditures also produce more than $17 in spending for every dollar the state invests into the CSU.

“To be honest, I am completely bewildered as to why California isn’t investing more into our CSU system,” said Allen Walker, 20, junior and a BECA major. “I can only imagine that (right now) our state and federal governments are deterring funds.”

Bay Area spending tied to SF State's presence generates $989 million annually into the regional economy, according to the report.

The CSU divides its 23 statewide campuses into eight geographical regions. SF State, CSU East Bay, the California Maritime Academy, San Jose State University and Sonoma State University make up the Bay Area region.

The CSU system is accountable for 51 percent of all bachelor's degrees and 40 percent of all master's degrees received in California. One in every ten associates of California's workforce is a CSU graduate.

The CSU system is consequently a main source in aiding California's economy. Every year its campuses send tens of thousands of graduates into fields such as engineering, life sciences, business, technology, education and media.

SF State single-handedly serves more than 29,000 students and graduates more than 7,000 into the workforce each year. The CSU impact also maintains more than 13,000 jobs in the Bay Area region alone, and more than 527,000 statewide.

“It just seems so stupid to me that they would take money away from something that helps the community and state and gives so many people a brighter future,” said Brian Corral, 22, a junior and cinema major. “And not just a brighter future for themselves, but for their state and country.”

Only about $2 billion of the revenue earned by alumni from SF State is credited to their CSU degree.

“How can we have a chance to make it a better future if they keep on making cuts?” said Corral. “(CSUs) give back so much, and (budget cuts) are like biting the hand that feeds you.”

“In the end, we, the people are paying for all of these expenditures,” said Walker. “And I believe that not only should we have a stronger voice in how money is dispersed, but we should be clearly and informed about how and why money is needed.”