Adams State University is essential to the San Luis Valley, contributing more than $107 million to the Valley economy each year, according to a recent independent economic impact analysis. The University is an economic driver through employment, workforce development, access to education, local spending, and broader support of local economies.

“Adams State is fortunate to have deep roots in the San Luis Valley,” said President David A. Tandberg, Ph.D. “From first opening its doors to students in 1925, the institution and the Valley have developed a symbiotic relationship. The culture and history of the Valley enriches our students’ education and provides a healthy, and close community for faculty and staff. We are so proud to be located in the Valley”

Key Report Findings

  • $107 million per year in total economic impact to the San Luis Valley Region
  • 356% ROI on the state’s investment
  • 787 jobs created (direct and indirect)
  • $25.5 million in student and visitor expenditures

“This report underscores what I’ve already felt, and personally lived out, to be true, Adams State is an integral part of the Valley,” said President Tandberg. “Investment in Adams State yields truly amazing results, and behind these statistics are exemplary individuals living out their great stories, and positively impacting the Valley, the state, and region.”

San Luis Valley Federal Bank Chief Operating Officer Delzia Worley, Adams State Class of ’97, said the $107 million economic impact is tremendous, but for her, the true value of Adams State runs far deeper. Worley’s mother, Jolene Pavlovsky, Adams State Class of ’63 & ‘67 and first-generation college graduate, was an educator for 35 years. “The education my mother received changed the trajectory of our family. When my father passed away, she became the sole provider of our family. In the classroom, she equipped generations of students with a solid foundation, many of whom give back to communities across the Valley.”

San Luis Valley Economic Impact

Established with the help of community support in 1921, Adams State University draws on its rural location in the San Luis Valley, to serve and empower all students, especially those from historically underserved populations. Adams State is a four-year liberal arts institution that offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, and one doctorate degree. Adams State has a yearly local direct spending amount of $45.7 million; employs 610 non-student employees, 247 student employees; attracts students from across the Valley, Colorado, the country, and world; and hosts numerous events on-campus every year, inserting a total of $60.9 million in annual spending into the Valley economies.  When the overall contribution of the University is considered, Adams State has a total economic impact of over $107 million in the Valley annually.

Student and Visitor Impact

Aside from University operations, Adams State contributes $13.4 million in direct spending per year within the Valley through students and visitors to campus events and programming. Student and visitor expenditures equate to $25.5 million in overall economic impact. According to the report, students spent $5.4 million on housing and utilities, $3.5 million on food, and almost $2.2 million on transportation; visitors are responsible for $2 million in lodging, food, and tourism spending per year.

Adams State alumni who remain in the San Luis Valley contribute to its overall vibrancy and health. Over 70 percent of educators within the 14 regional school districts received their degree from the Adams State School of Education. The University sends highly qualified professionals into the workforce in education, banking, health care, accounting, agribusiness, sciences, and small business ownership in the Valley and across Colorado.

Worley serves on the Adams State Alumni Board and the City of Alamosa Economic Development Council. “Adams State’s impact goes well beyond economics. It cultivates talent, enriches our culture, and strengthens the very fabric of our community.”

This report was prepared by RPI Consulting, an independent economic consultant. For more information, including the full report, visit adams.edu/economicimpact.