Independent Higher Education as an Economic Engine: The Latest Action Research Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities Terri Standish-Kuon Vice President, Communications and Administration December 4, 2002

1 Overview Role of colleges and universities –Education –Research –Economic benefit of these dual missions The general public appreciates the connection –The economy and education are top concerns –Higher education related to economic development and quality of life

2 Role of colleges and universities Mission: education and research In the process of fulfilling these dual missions, Independent Sector campuses make a profound and sizable contribution to the economic well-being of New York State

3 The education mission Students can study anything in New York State — in a wide range of settings The Independent Sector includes: long-time leaders in women's education; the nation's largest group of private engineering schools and programs (15); more private medical schools than any other state (8); two dental colleges; 13 law schools; the greatest concentration of historically-religious institutions in the United States; plus nationally-recognized liberal arts colleges and research universities

4 Importance of higher education Businesses locate where talented, highly-educated, people live Higher education relates to income -- and thus to personal income tax revenues

5 New York’s higher education enterprise is unique Private colleges and universities in New York State compose the nation’s largest Independent Sector –Collectively, these campuses are the State’s leading source of bachelor’s and graduate degrees

6 Independent campuses provide higher education access 426,000 students, most in baccalaureate and graduate programs –290,000 New Yorkers

7 The Independent Sector produces in high-need disciplines Example: In 2000, two in three baccalaureate degree nurses in New York State — 2,906 nurses in all — graduated from an Independent Sector college or university

8 The research mission Colleges and universities bring federal and private dollars into the state through grants, awards, and research funding

9 World-recognized brainpower Top-notch minds work and study in New York State –132 Independent Sector faculty and alumni have won Nobel prizes 38% of the world’s total in economics 26% in medicine 21% in physics

10 Universities attract federal funds Higher education institutions attracted nearly half of the federal R&D funds that came to New York State in 2000 (approximately $1.5 billion)

11 Investments in high technology/ biotechnology infrastructure

12 Additional capital investments

13 A foundation for technological competitiveness in world markets

14 Additional investment in research infrastructure

15 Economic effects Employ 131,000 individuals -- from teaching faculty to administrative staff to maintenance crew and cafeteria workers The sector encourages tourism, bringing families of students and other visitors to communities

16 Additional benefits Independent campuses promote entrepreneurship and business development, through dedicated centers and partnerships with area companies The Independent Sector helps stabilize communities

17 Collectively, independent campuses are major employers Employ 131,000 New Yorkers $6 billion payroll Generate $40.2 billion annually in economic activity

18 Higher education is a regional economic engine In the five boroughs of New York City –185,000 students –65,165 employees $3.2B in salaries In Central New York –54,000 students –19,900 employees $735M in salaries

19 Sharing knowledge New York’s independent campuses sponsor 500 research centers and institutes available to businesses and industry Searchable database: –Click on “Experts Search” to find contact information for academic researchers and program directors By keyword, location, and industry cluster

20 The general public links higher education and the economy Poll conducted in October 2002 for CICU by Zogby International –margin of error, ± 3.2% –sample: 1,007 adults 334 in New York City (five boroughs) 337 in Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, and Rockland 335 in Upstate (remaining counties) Regional samples are individually valid; the statewide totals were calculated using appropriate weights to reflect the distribution of the state's population

21 It’s the economy - and education What is the single most important issue facing New York State today?

22 Leading issues: the economy and education

23 Colleges and universities anchor communities Is there a college of university in your local community?

24 Higher education important to the local economy How important is the college or university to your local economy, very important, somewhat important or not important?

25 Economic importance greatest Upstate

26 Colleges and universities contribute to quality of life Please rate how the college or university contributes to the quality of life in your community, excellent, good, fair or poor, in each of the following areas:

27 Colleges and universities matter to communities across the state

28 Summary Role of colleges and universities –Education –Research –Economic benefit of these dual missions The general public appreciates the connection –The economy and education are top concerns –Higher education related to economic development and quality of life