Farmingdale College Added Billions To L.I. Economy: Report

According to a report recently released by the Long Island Association, SUNY Farmingdale has had a tremendous impact on the local economy over the last few years, generating billions in economic growth.

The report, titled "Solving the Brain Drain: The Regional Impact of Farmingdale State College," examined the college's economic impact from 2009 through 2017. It found that, during that time, SUNY Farmingdale added $2.59 billion to the Long Island economy.

“This study demonstrates that Farmingdale State College is a critical asset to the vitality of Long Island,” said Farmingdale President Dr. John S. Nader. “With a total economic impact of $2.5 billion, Farmingdale is an engine of opportunity for its students and the region. The investments we make in our students clearly yield great returns. As the report’s title indicates, we are addressing the brain drain. Our students thrive here and contribute greatly to Long Island’s future.”

That $2.5 billion comes from two different areas: first is the money that the college itself has spent. Over the time period, the schools operating and capital expenditures added $1.43 billion to the local economy. Additionally, the report says the school generated another $1.08 billion simply by existing. Many students would not have attended college if SUNY Farmingdale did not exist, the report says, and those students have contributed back to the economy.

The report says that Farmingdale College created 19,800 jobs in many different industries over the last eight years. And that could keep growing. The school offers manufacturing degrees that aren't available anywhere else in the region, making it an important resource for business looking to higher technologically skilled workers.

To read the full report, click here.

Photo: Jose Donneys/Farmingdale State College