About Upstate
SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, NY, is the only academic medical center in Central New York and is also the region’s largest employer. As part of the State University of New York, Upstate’s mission to improve the health of the community it serves is anchored by its four colleges (Medicine, Nursing, Health Professions, and Graduate Studies), a biomedical research enterprise, its three hospital sites, an extensive clinical network covering patients in 17 counties, and other supporting entities.
SUNY Upstate has a tremendous impact on the region. Economic impact is generated when Upstate invests in capital improvements and pays its staff. In turn, employees spend their income on housing and services in their communities. Further economic impact is generated by students, medical residents, patients, and other visitors to SUNY Upstate.
Upstate commissioned this report to capture the measurable impact the institution has on the communities it serves. Over the past 16 years, the economic impact of Upstate has nearly doubled. In fiscal year 2024, SUNY Upstate contributed more than $3.2 billion in economic impact to the State of New York
#1 Employer
in Central New York
SUNY Upstate is more than just a community asset delivering high-quality care and educating healthcare professionals; it also employees thousands of individuals in high-level jobs across the region.
$241.6 Million
Tax Impact
Though a non-profit, Upstate generated $241.6 million in state and local tax revenue through its regional spending.
11,531 Jobs
Commitment to a Strong Workforce
The combined direct and indirect employment supports 20,453 jobs statewide.
11531
Direct Jobs
8922
Induced Jobs
20453
Total Jobs
Employment Impact of
SUNY Upstate on the State of New York
SUNY Upstate directly supports more than 11,531 employees. In addition, there are another 8,922 employees supported by the business done with other vendors or as a result of the direct employees household spending. Further economic impact is generated by students, medical residents, patients, and other visitors to SUNY Upstate.
Continuing Growth
Since 2008, the economic impact SUNY Upstate has had on the state has grown: a nearly 50% rise in employment impact; a near doubling of economic impact; and a near tripling of the tax impact. Besides these institutional contributions, Upstate employees engage with the community through personal volunteering and donation to local causes. The combined value of these efforts provided an additional $29.5 million in community impact during 2024.
Research Impact
All research at SUNY Upstate is dedicated to improving human health.
Growth in research has risen 56% over the past five years, with a 23% increase this past year alone.
In 2024, Upstate’s research expenditures contributed $111.5 million to the statewide economy.
The research enterprise supported 627 jobs in 2024, with 382 positions directly employed at Upstate’s Syracuse campus.
Alumni Impact
Through its four colleges, SUNY Upstate boasts a national alumni network of 16,581 healthcare providers
and other medical professionals. In 2024, these alumni collectively contributed $27.3 billion in wage
impact to the national economy. Notably, the majority of Upstate’s alumni choose to remain in New York,
further strengthening the state’s healthcare landscape and economic vitality.
Return on Investment
Nearly Every $1 of state support to SUNY Upstate generates
an additional $46.75 in the NYS Economy.