$38,100
More in annual earnings
The average SUNY Poly bachelor’s degree graduate earns $38,100 more annually than someone with only a high school diploma in New York.
The SUNY Poly Difference
More than a university. A regional economic engine.
SUNY Polytechnic Institute strengthens the Mohawk Valley through university operations, research, student spending and the work of our alumni — supporting jobs, preparing students for successful careers and helping build a stronger New York.
Economic impact study • FY 2024–25 • Conducted by Lightcast
Total Economic Impact $356.8M
Added to the Mohawk Valley economy in FY 2024–25 — approximately 1.0% of the region's total gross regional product.
2,901
Jobs Supported
SUNY Poly supports regional job growth across industry sectors, including advanced manufacturing and healthcare.
$273.1M
Alumni Impact
Added income generated by SUNY Poly alumni working in the region.
65%
Students From Outside the Region
New people moving to the Mohawk Valley bring new spending power and valuable skills to the region.
Where the Impact Comes From
Four ways SUNY Poly strengthens the region.
The university's impact reaches the community through its operations, research, students and alumni.
Operations
University payroll, facilities, supplies and professional services support businesses and households throughout the region.
$75.6M
Research
Research activity supports jobs, purchases equipment and services, and contributes to new knowledge and innovation.
$3M
Student Spending
Students contribute to local businesses through everyday spending.
$5.1M
Alumni
SUNY Poly graduates working throughout the region contribute knowledge, skills and earnings to the local economy.
$273.1M
Total Impact
Combined economic impact generated by SUNY Poly in FY 2024–25.
$356.8M
$273.1M
in added regional income
The Impact Continues After Graduation
Our graduates become part of the region's future.
Thousands of former SUNY Poly students are employed throughout the Mohawk Valley. Their knowledge, skills and earnings continue to contribute to the regional workforce and economy long after they leave campus.
Return on Investment
SUNY Poly creates value for students and New York.
An investment analysis performed as part of the economic impact study examined the long-term benefits generated by SUNY Poly in FY 2024–25 for students, taxpayers and society.
Student Return $6.20
a 6.2-to-1 benefit-cost ratio
For every $1 students invest in a SUNY Poly education, they receive an estimated $6.20 in higher lifetime earnings — more than a 6-to-1 return.
New York Return $8.30
an 8.3-to-1 benefit-cost ratio
For every $1 invested in SUNY Poly, people in New York receive an estimated $8.30 in added income and social savings over students’ working lives. Graduates who live and work in-state contribute earnings and expand the tax base, while benefits to society include a reduced need for social support services.
Value of a SUNY Poly Degree
An education that pays dividends for a lifetime.
Higher earnings. Lasting opportunity. A SUNY Poly education creates value that extends well beyond graduation.
$1.5M
In additional lifetime earnings
Over a career, a SUNY Poly bachelor’s degree is worth approximately $1.5 million in additional earnings compared with a high school diploma.
21.5%
Average annual student return
The study estimates a 21.5% annual return on a SUNY Poly education — nearly double the U.S. stock market’s 30-year average return of 10.9% used in the study.
The $6.20 earned for every $1 invested, shown above, represents a 6.2-to-1 benefit-cost ratio. The 21.5% figure is the study’s separate estimate of an average annual rate of return.
Graduate Outcomes
Graduates earn more with less debt.
SUNY Poly graduates earn 20% more than the national median salary for four-year college graduates while carrying less than half the national median student debt.
Growing Demand
800 new students. A historic incoming class.
SUNY Poly welcomed its largest incoming undergraduate class in history in Fall 2025, with 800 new students, reflecting growing demand for its affordable, career-focused education.
Learning in action
Source: Lightcast economic impact study, FY 2024–25. Graduate salary and debt comparisons and Fall 2025 enrollment figures were supplied by SUNY Poly as institutional context for the report.
Our Community
SUNY Poly brings people, ideas and investment to the Mohawk Valley.
The university's presence creates economic activity throughout the region — from everyday spending to major campus events.
01
A Regional Destination
SUNY Poly welcomes visitors for Commencement, Open Houses, athletic tournaments and campus visits, as well as events hosted by external organizations, such as the LeadHERship conference and Riggies Run fundraiser.
02
New Talent for the Region
Around 65% of SUNY Poly students come from outside the Mohawk Valley, bringing additional spending power and potential future residents with enhanced skill sets to the region.
03
Research & Innovation
Investment in research activity contributes to the regional economy and supports the creation of new knowledge and further economic growth through inventions, patent applications and licenses.
The SUNY Poly Impact
An investment in SUNY Poly is an investment in our region.
When SUNY Poly grows, the region grows. From students and alumni to researchers, employees, businesses and communities, SUNY Poly creates value that reaches far beyond campus.
