
SUNY Upstate Medical University
Quantifying the Statewide and Regional Reach of Academic Medicine

The Challenge
As the largest employer in Central New York and a cornerstone of regional healthcare, SUNY Upstate Medical University sought an updated analysis to measure its full economic and community impact. The goal was to evaluate the university’s contributions at multiple levels—statewide, regional, and local—and provide data to inform future planning, advocacy, and investment.
How We Helped
Tripp Umbach conducted a comprehensive economic impact and community benefits study to quantify Upstate’s operational influence across New York State, Central New York, Onondaga County, and the City of Syracuse. The analysis measured total economic output, employment, and tax revenue, while also examining how institutional spending—through salaries, capital projects, and visitor activity—strengthens surrounding communities.
In Fiscal Year 2024, Upstate generated $3.2 billion in total economic impact statewide, nearly doubling its footprint since 2008. The findings underscore Upstate’s expanding importance to both the health and economic well-being of New York, reflecting its continued investment in people, infrastructure, and regional vitality.
