Economic Impact of SUNY Plattsburgh Tops $307 Million

July 19, 2018

The economic impact of SUNY Plattsburgh to the North Country is more than $307 million annually, according to a new study. An estimated 4,238 jobs were created or sustained in the region as a result of college operations, the study found.

The 2016-2017 Regional Economic Impact study was completed in July 2018. The 27-page report provides detailed estimates and breakdowns of the overall effects of campus operations and activities.

The study is available in the President & Leadership section under the About Us tab on the college website.

"SUNY Plattsburgh is truly an economic engine for the North Country," said President John Ettling. "The college is directly invested in economic development in the area through such efforts as START-UP NY, the North Country Regional Economic Development Council and more. But the college's activities -- from operations and events to human resources and volunteerism -- contribute a great deal more as well, as this study shows."

Since its founding in 1889 as a teaching college, SUNY Plattsburgh has had a strong history of meeting regional and statewide needs for higher education. It is also a major driver of the economic and cultural well-being of the community.

Other key findings of the study include:

Tax revenue generated by SUNY Plattsburgh’s activities total more than $56 million per year.
The college created a total output of more than $172 million for the region from the nearly $96 million it generates.
An additional $45.6 million of income and 160 jobs arise because of the education attainment of SUNY Plattsburgh graduates remaining in the North Country region.
SUNY Plattsburgh students contributed nearly $55 million in direct expenditures to the region’s economy through their spending, including off-campus housing, food, transportation and other personal expenses.
Volunteerism contributed nearly $1.3 million in additional output. Student volunteers provide thousands of hours of work for nonprofits and the public sector.
About 134,000 residents and tourists visit the various campus museums, theaters and athletic facilities. Numerous SUNY Plattsburgh centers and institutes provide a variety of outreach services in healthcare, economic and community development, social services, and small business development.

Additionally, the campus also benefits the region in many “quality of life” areas. These activities enhance the capacities of area industries and the community at large.

The study was prepared by the Office of the President, the Office of Sponsored Research & Programs and Colin Read, Ph.D., professor of economics and finance at SUNY Plattsburgh, using IMPLAN economic modeling software. The tool accounts for direct, indirect, induced and job creation impacts of college operations and spending.

SUNY Plattsburgh, a public comprehensive college, has an enrollment of more than 5,600 students from nearly 70 countries. Its 265-acre main campus is located in the City of Plattsburgh. Part of the State University of New York system, the college offers more than 60 degree programs within three academic schools.