ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -The Capital District Regional Planning Commission has reported that the University at Albany generates $1.1 billion a year for the Capital Region. This stretches from Warren to Columbia Counties.
More than 17,500 students are currently enrolled, and many professors and staff are required to keep their education going. "Which are around 4,800 jobs but overall in the Capital Region, over 6,700 jobs. It's critically important," said President Havidán Rodríguez.
Salaries for these employees are the biggest contributors to the economy, amounting to $813.5 million. Construction has brought in $211.7 million.
"The new esports center: a 4,000 square foot arena which is one of the largest in the country," described Rodríguez. "We have an esports team with over 100 students that compete nationally and globally."
The report adds that students spend more than $80 million in the region while visitors spend $7.3 million. "The rent that they pay, the sales tax dollars that they generate, the restaurants, the hotels know when there are things happening at UAlbany. This really shows how important that is to the overall economic health of the City of Albany," explained Mayor Kathy Sheehan.
Game Design and Development will be expanding from a minor and undergraduate study to a major and graduate program starting in the Fall 2025 semester. It's considered one of a kind in the SUNY system.
"This is another opportunity to bring back the local economy and continue to drive New York forward as a leader in the gaming community," said Dean of the College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity, Robert Griffin.
