CU System news release In the most comprehensive research yet conducted on what the University of Colorado means to the state鈥檚 economy, analysts show an economic impact of $5.3 billion for Colorado in 2011. The research, conducted by the Business Research Division of the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado Boulder, provides the most comprehensive data yet compiled on the statewide economic impact from the university and the individual effects on Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSA) with CU campuses.