The Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities (CICU) has released updated data and research underscoring the critical role independent institutions play in advancing student success, workforce development, and economic growth across New York State. Representing over 100 nonprofit campuses, the sector enrolls nearly 500,000 students—44% of all postsecondary learners in the state—and awards nearly 60% of bachelor’s and graduate degrees.
The findings also reinforce the sector’s economic significance, generating an estimated $97 billion in total economic impact and supporting more than 407,000 jobs statewide. Beyond economic contributions, independent colleges are leaders in research and innovation, responsible for 80% of higher education R&D spending in New York.
Students benefit from strong financial support and personalized academic environments—85% receive some form of aid, while smaller student-to-faculty ratios help foster mentorship and engagement. Independent institutions also produce a significant share of graduates in high-demand fields such as education, nursing, health professions, and STEM, strengthening the state’s talent pipeline.
CICU’s growing library of reports and dashboards provides policymakers, campus leaders, and the public with actionable insights to support informed decision-making and data-driven advocacy. Together, these resources highlight how New York’s independent sector continues to serve as a powerful engine of opportunity, innovation, and prosperity for the state.
Explore the full data and research collection here: Data & Research