THE BLUEPRINT:
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FSC contributed nearly $1 billion to Long Island’s economy from 2020–2025
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The college supported almost 10,000 jobs across Nassau and Suffolk counties
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A $272 million economic impact was generated by FSC in 2025 alone
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Construction projects, including a Computer Sciences Center, are projected to add $250 million by 2028
Nearly $1 billion in economic activity and almost 10,000 jobs were generated by Farmingdale State College between 2020 and 2025, according to a new economic impact analysis by the LIA Research Institute. The study examined spending tied to the college’s operations and construction, as well as expenditures by students and visitors, capturing the multiplier effect as those dollars circulated through the regional economy and supported additional jobs and business activity across Long Island.
The LIA Research Institute, the research arm of the Long Island Association, conducted the study for FSC to assess the college’s recent economic impact and expectations for the future.
“Farmingdale State College is an economic engine for our region, enabling Long Islanders to obtain a quality education and secure jobs and also serving as a major employer and community asset,” Matt Cohen, president and chief executive of the LIA said in a news release about the study. “The LIA was proud to partner with Farmingdale to conduct this illuminating analysis to demonstrate its ripple effect throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties.”
Founded 114 years ago as a farming and horticultural school, FSC now enrolls more than 10,000 students annually in programs such as engineering, health sciences, business and computer science. And the college has plans for continued growth.
The study found that in 2025 alone, FSC generated $272 million in economic impact, driven largely by university operations and staffing. To support new academic programs, the college is expanding its physical infrastructure, with new and renovated facilities underway. This includes a 50,000-square-foot Computer Sciences Center. Construction-related economic impact through 2028 is projected at approximately $250 million.
“Colleges and universities are truly remarkable public assets, not only through our role as a major regional employer, but also as an engine of social mobility, workforce development and innovation,” Robert Prezant, president of Farmingdale State College said in the news release.
“FSC plays a vital role in the local and regional economy and the report produced by the LIA solidifies this role with real, meaningful data,” he added. “Through our unique and innovative programs, FSC continues to attract energetic and talented students who will be the future of Long Island’s workforce. We are proud of the work we do on campus and the impact we have on our surrounding community.”
“What Farmingdale creates for our community goes well beyond its campus,” Steven Kent, chief economist of the LIA Research Institute, said in the news release.
“The colleges’ spending, construction, students and visitors activate the broader economic chain within Nassau and Suffolk counties,” he said. “But it is not just dollars. The college transforms its students who mostly stay on Long Island, get high-paying jobs, and create a virtuous circle for our region.”
For this study, the LIA Research Institute used the IMPLAN calculation process, an economic impact modeling system applied to estimate how spending affects a regional economy. The study looked at direct spending by the college from 2020-2025; indirect spending by employees, students, and visitors and induced impacts including the effect on regional businesses.
The complete study is available here.
Adina Genn
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