2023 Economic and Community Impact Report Introduction

This report assesses, and where possible quantifies, St. John Fisher University’s economic and community impact on Monroe County, in the greater Rochester area, and throughout New York state.

Students walking toward Kearney Hall, Fisher’s iconic first building.

About St. John Fisher University

St. John Fisher University, located in Pittsford, New York (about seven miles east of Rochester), is a comprehensive liberal arts institution that provides a transformative education to approximately 3,800 undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students each year. Across its five Schools, Fisher offers nearly 40 majors in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, business, education, and nursing; 11 pre-professional programs; and master’s and doctoral programs in business, nursing, education, and pharmacy. The University’s 160-acre residential campus boasts a robust living and learning community and through online offerings, attracts students from more than 30 states. An independent institution today, the University was founded by the Congregation of St. Basil in 1948, enrolling its first students in 1951.

The University continues to honor its founders by embracing their motto, “Teach Me Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge.” Fisher has grown to become one of the ten largest independent colleges and universities in upstate New York.

Fisher offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees through five Schools:

About the Report

This report assesses, and where possible quantifies, St. John Fisher University’s economic and community impact on Monroe County, in the greater Rochester area and throughout New York state. The report was prepared by Appleseed, a New York City-based consulting firm with extensive experience working with major colleges and universities in the U.S.

Report Sections

First, the report examines Fisher’s impact as an enterprise – as an employer, a purchaser of goods and services, and a sponsor of construction projects – as well as the impact of off-campus spending by its students and visitors to Fisher.
Second, the report discusses Fisher’s role in developing the Rochester area’s human capital.
Third, the report highlights multiple ways Fisher’s civic engagement helps to serve and strengthen Rochester-area communities.
Finally, the report briefly notes why Fisher is expected to have a growing impact in the Rochester area and throughout New York state in the years ahead.

A Note on Geography

In various sections of the report, St. John Fisher University’s impact is addressed at three different geographic levels – Monroe County, the greater Rochester area (including Monroe and six other counties: Genesee, Livingston, Ontario, Orleans, Wayne and Wyoming) and New York state.