Adelphi University / New York

« Back to Recent News

Adelphi's Economic Impact Totals $500 Million+ Annually, Per CICU Study

Garden City, NY (05/10/2021) — The Commission on Independent Colleges & Universities in New York (CICU) released a report on statewide impact of its member institutions, including Adelphi University, based on the 2018-2019 academic year. With direct and spillover effects, Adelphi's economic contribution to New York state was $549,900,000, much of it on Long Island, home of its main campus.

While the pandemic has resulted in losses to many institutions of higher learning nationwide, the independent sector continues to be a significant economic engine for the state of New York. In 2019, the 100-plus institutions contributed nearly $100 billion to the state's economy.

"In addition to our very real and substantial contribution to the economy, Adelphi adds immeasurable value to the quality of life on Long Island and in New York," said President Christine M. Riordan, PhD. "Our nearly 7,600 students and close to 2,000 employees are a vibrant part of the region's workforce, culture and community. We are partners with businesses and organizations, generating jobs and advancing shared goals. And, Adelphi's campus and community programs provide vital resources for Long Islanders. In return, Garden City, Long Island and New York are part of the world-class experience we provide our students."

Adelphi is one of 19 colleges and universities on Long Island, and more than 45,000 students enroll each year in Long Island's independent, not-for-profit institutions, according to CICU.

Since 2005, CICU has worked with the Rochester-based Center for Governmental Research (CGR) to produce a biennial economic impact estimate. Independent colleges and universities in New York State contributed an estimated $97.6 billion to the state's economy in 2019. This represents an aggregate 10 percent increase over 2017. In addition, the state's independent higher education sector directly employed 193,000 people.

Adelphi's president Riordan is currently chair of CICU. See more about CICU at cicu.org/about and about Adelphi at adelphi.edu/about.

About Adelphi: A modern metropolitan university with a personalized approach to higher learning

Adelphi University, New York, is a highly awarded, nationally ranked, powerfully connected doctoral research university dedicated to transforming students' lives through small classes with world-class faculty, hands-on learning and innovative ways to support academic and career success. Adelphi offers exceptional liberal arts and sciences programs and professional training, with particular strength in our Core Four-Arts and Humanities, STEM and Social Sciences, the Business and Education Professions, and Health and Wellness.

Recognized as a Best College by U.S. News & World Report, Adelphi is Long Island's oldest private coeducational university. It serves almost 8,000 students at its beautiful main campus in Garden City, New York-just 23 miles from New York City's cultural and internship opportunities-and at dynamic learning hubs in Manhattan, the Hudson Valley and Suffolk County, as well as online.

More than 116,000 Adelphi graduates have gained the skills to thrive professionally as active, engaged citizens, making their mark on the University, their communities and the world.

Media Attachments

Adelphi University's main campus in Garden City, N.Y.

Copyright © 2025 Merit Pages, Inc. • All Rights Reserved. • Terms of Service • Privacy Policy • Opt Out