Hartwick College Contributes Over $107 Million in Economic Impact to New York State

Hartwick College made a significant economic contribution to New York State in fiscal year 2022-23, with a total economic impact of $107.3 million, according to a new report from the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities in New York (CICU). This includes $96.7 million in direct spending by the College and $10.6 million in spending by students and visitors. The report highlights the College’s role as an economic engine for the region, supporting jobs, generating tax revenue, and stimulating local businesses.

“Hartwick College is proud to be a cornerstone of our community’s economy,” said President James Mullen. “This report underscores our dual commitment to driving economic growth in New York State and fostering life balance across our campus community. Our approach ensures that we not only educate students to thrive personally and professionally but also contribute to the vitality of the communities we call home. From creating jobs to supporting local businesses and contributing to tax revenues, Hartwick’s impact extends far beyond our campus borders, strengthening both individual lives and the broader community.”

Highlights from the Economic Impact Report:

• Institution Impact: $96.7 million spent on research, construction, instruction, technology, salaries and other operating expenses. This includes spillover spending, which refers to business-to-business activity and household spending generated by the College’s operations.
• Student and Visitor Impact: $10.6 million spent by students and visitors attending parents’ weekends, conferences, sporting events and other campus activities, which also generated additional spillover effects.
• Job Creation: Hartwick College supported 700 jobs in the region, including 400 on-campus roles. These jobs had a combined payroll of $36 million.
• Tax Revenue: Employees and associated employment contributed an estimated $2.4 million in state personal income tax and state and local sales tax revenue.

These economic impacts are complemented by the College’s deep connections to the region and New York State, and its emphasis on providing opportunities for students and the surrounding community. Hartwick’s reach extends beyond dollars and cents, fostering partnerships, supporting local healthcare systems and serving as a launchpad for student success. These additional contributions further illustrate the College’s integral role in sustaining and enriching the region.

Additional Contributions to the Region and New York State:

• HartLand Representation: Approximately 15% of our students hail from HartLand counties, which include Otsego, Chenango, Delaware, Herkimer, Madison, Montgomery, Oneida, Onondaga and Schoharie.
• New York State Students: Close to 80% of Hartwick’s student body hails from New York.
• First-Generation New Yorkers: Over 30% of students are first-generation college attendees, demonstrating Hartwick’s commitment to opportunity and access.
• TAP Recipients: 27% of the student body benefits from New York State’s Tuition Assistance Program (TAP).
• Nursing Program Impact: Each of Hartwick’s 200+ nursing students completes approximately 200 hands-on clinical practice hours annually. These hours are conducted in inpatient and long-term care facilities, outpatient locations and community settings, providing invaluable support to healthcare teams while giving students real-world experience.

The findings, compiled by CICU using data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), emphasize the vital role that private, nonprofit colleges and universities play in New York’s economy. As part of the largest independent higher education sector in the country, these institutions enroll 44% of the state’s 1.1 million postsecondary students and award 53% of all degrees. Hartwick College exemplifies this impact through its ongoing commitment to fostering strong partnerships with the community, supporting academic excellence, and promoting holistic well-being.