Empire State Development: New York once again No. 1 In Northeast for attracting world's best and brightest students

Study New York consortium's efforts to attract international students align with governor's GLOBAL NY initiative

Empire State Development today announced New York ranked first in the Northeast region and second in the nation in attracting international students to its colleges and universities, according to the "Open Doors Report" for 2015. ESD said this top ranking underscores the important role New York's colleges and universities play as economic engines in the state.

This success reinforces Gov. Andrew Cuomo's GLOBAL NY initiative, which is supporting New York businesses' expansion of global exports, working to attract additional international business investment to the state, and helping create and retain world-class jobs in the Empire State.

"New York's colleges and universities gain so much from the talented students and researchers that come here from around the globe," ESD President, CEO and Commissioner Howard Zemsky said. "New York is home to world-class higher education institutions - both public and private - that are economic engines for communities and regions throughout the state. Through Gov. Cuomo's GLOBAL NY initiative, we are increasing our focus on attracting the best and brightest from around the world, because it strengthens our ability to build globally competitive centers of innovation, bolsters international market intelligence, leads to high-quality jobs, and improves our economy."

SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher said, "With 23,000 international students from 72 countries currently studying at our colleges and universities, SUNY is proud to ensure a truly global educational experience for all of our students. We look forward to continuing our work with Empire State Development, the U.S. Department of Commerce, and our fellow higher education institutions throughout the state through Study New York."

"Colleges and universities in New York state remain a leading destination for students and researchers from across the globe," said Laura L. Anglin, president of the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities. "Quality, diverse and innovative programs, and cutting-edge research institutions are a significant draw. With more than 56,000 international students studying on private, not-for-profit campuses throughout the state, 17 percent more than just two years ago, we are preparing students to collaborate across cultures and make a difference anywhere in the world."

The Open Doors Report, published annually by the Institute of International Education with support from the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, indicated New York welcomed 106,758 international students in 2014-15, a 7.9-percent increase from the previous year, slightly less than the national increase of 10 percent. International students and their families contributed an impressive $3.7 billion to New York's economy. 

Further details from the Open Doors report may be found on the IIE website: http://www.iie.org/Research-and-Publications/Open-Doors.

Colleges and universities make essential contributions to New York's economic growth and prosperity in many communities, with at least 160 institutions, public and private, from every region of New York, benefiting from international student enrollment. Three universities in New York - New York University, Columbia University and SUNY University at Buffalo - continue to rank in the top 20 of U.S. institutions. This level matches first-ranked California, and exceeds all other states. New York City remains the nation's top metropolitan area for international students, and NYU led as a destination for the second year in a row. Other top-ranked universities in New York for international students include Cornell University and Stony Brook University-SUNY.

The leading five countries sending the most students to New York include (first) China, (second) India, (third) South Korea, (fourth) Canada and (fifth) Taiwan.

Launched in 2009, the Study NY consortium (www.studynewyork.us) was founded through the collective efforts of representatives from the governor's office, ESD, Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities, State University of New York, City University of New York and the U.S. Department of Commerce to promote New York as the destination of choice for students from around the world.

Recent Study New York promotional efforts in the U.S. and overseas have included: hosting a delegation of education agents from Thailand; launching the 2015 international student photo contest showcasing student life and their love of studying in New York; promoting New York colleges and universities in Turkey; convening Virtual Trade Fairs; supporting promotional booth displays at NAFSA and ICEF conferences; participating in EducationUSA events focused on China and India; and presenting to educational audiences overseas.

"Open Doors analyses continue to highlight the extent to which New York state excels at welcoming brilliant students, researchers and entrepreneurs from around the world," said James M. Cox, director of the Northeast Region for the Department of Commerce. "The Study New York consortium, the largest such effort in the nation, continues to innovate with an array of strategies promoting the state's unique educational assets to global markets, and it contributes to international student recruitment success. The growth of services exports in the higher education sector in New York and other states contributes to overall U.S. export success."

"Study New York plays an essential role in promoting New York state as the destination of choice for students from around the world," said Maria Conzatti, board chair of Study New York and vice president of academic student services at Nassau Community College. "Study New York is reaching many more markets, education events and students than its many member institutions could manage individually. Study New York offers invaluable information to prospective international students and their families about amazing colleges and universities in New York state regions and communities. All accredited public and private, not-for-profit colleges and universities in New York are eligible to join our consortium."